dittoburg's Profile
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The whole area of north greenpoint is low-rise. Whether or not its permissible, its not going to be popular with most of the current residents. The psychological impact of huge out of scale buildings is not a positive.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 11:12 AM in response to 40 Stories on the Greenpoint Waterfront?
watch this space - ailanthus soon to come
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 11:09 AM in response to Karma Is a Bitch: 185 Ocean Developer Sucking Wind
It looks like it came from a galleon
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 11:07 AM in response to Salvage This! Neat Old Victorian Fireplace
Like you sticking to the position of refusing to match your subject with your verb?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 10:37 AM in response to Karma Is a Bitch: 185 Ocean Developer Sucking Wind
brooklynSteve - are you a minority? You may have a case against them if you are.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 10:11 AM in response to Belltel Lofts: 50% Percent Sold
Yea, its also better than a gargabe dump but so what?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 9:44 AM in response to 40 Stories on the Greenpoint Waterfront?
$84 million! No wonder he wants to build 40 stories - he'll need to build 60!
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 9:26 AM in response to 40 Stories on the Greenpoint Waterfront?
power
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 9:24 AM in response to Thursday Links
Not in such a bad mood today Rob?
Dave - plenty of people have said they will vote against Bloomers - but i agree - who are they going to vote for?
Weiner? Barron? Quinn ("we'll get these checks out as fast as possible" - just the kind of calm level headedness we need now..).
I don't see any serious contenders.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 9:11 AM in response to Thursday Links
40 stories is preposterous. Thats a Manhattan height. Greenpoint is low rise, the tallest thing there is a church spire.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 9:09 AM in response to 40 Stories on the Greenpoint Waterfront?
Who'd have thought DOW8000 was too optimisitc a moniker?
Am I the only one who think what Bloomberg is saying makes sense? He's trying to tighten the city's belt and make those tough decisions on what to cut. In response, he gets a bunch of baloney from people who seemed to have learned not one single thing from the crash. Here's the message - spending money you haven't got and buying things you don't actually need is not currently a good idea.
They'll be voting in a mayor who soothingly promises it will all be great and things are ok... .. like an episode of the Simpsons.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 8:55 AM in response to Thursday Links
I see, so its white when it comes to food only ;-)
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 8:27 AM in response to Today on the Brownstoner Backpages
is see the residents of this board are balkanized again.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 8:25 AM in response to Closing Bell: New Entry to Real Estate Lexicon:
"a nice dinner shaved with white truffles"
Is getting shaved with white truffles after dinner another of your debaucheries?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 6:47 PM in response to Today on the Brownstoner Backpages
well, its a pretty clever play on words really, considering the fractures that these buildings bring to the neighborhoods.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 6:40 PM in response to Closing Bell: New Entry to Real Estate Lexicon:
my CRT TV is on the fritz. I suppose I should buy one of those new-fangled plasmas or LCDs. Any recommendation as to choosing between them?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 1:24 PM in response to $400 and Free Plastic Bags Coming Your Way?
wine lover, I didn't accuse you of being racist.
My daughter was in one of those schools you mention, I used to live on N7. And I'm afraid that while schools often put on a good show when you express interest, the day-to-day performance often doesn't match up, becuase the day to day isn't just decided by how good the principal is. Anyway, I hope for everyone's sake they get better, and I'd agree that more people sending their kids there, and participating and believing in them is a good thing. However, if you're starting now, get to 11222. You'll get more square foot for your money anyway ;-)
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 11:27 AM in response to Life During Recession Time: Schools
Wine-lover, if you live in 11211 the schools aren't currently that great contrary to what you are saying. Send you kids to schools in 11222 if you want good schools.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 11:02 AM in response to Life During Recession Time: Schools
I defer to BH76, I had the marriage penalty idea upside down.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 10:11 AM in response to $400 and Free Plastic Bags Coming Your Way?
pitbull - there isn't necessarily a tax benefit to being married if there is a big income disparity between the two people. Its called the marriage penalty, and in those cases the lower income earnings end up getting taxed at a higher marginal rate than they would otherwise.
btw its harness. Its got nothing to do with asses.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 10:00 AM in response to $400 and Free Plastic Bags Coming Your Way?
The bag issue is separate - its a huge environmental problem to dispose of those billions of plastic bags. A small fee is entirely appropriate.
Glad to see not-subject-to-term-limits Sheldon screwing up things for the city once again. But no-one goes down to city hall and shouts about that.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 9:14 AM in response to $400 and Free Plastic Bags Coming Your Way?
Sam - are you off your rocker? You'rte living in la la land.
And anyway - what is so bad about MTA - how many million people does it get to work each day? Trying doing that in cars and see what happens.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 19, 2008 8:50 AM in response to 50% Less G Service Coming Our Way
As long as we've got 50% thinking the sun goes round the earth and 50% knowing the earth goes round the sun, we've broken even.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 6:18 PM in response to Cheap Today, Cheaper Tomorrow?
Heather, I don't think these considerations are applicable below 5th grade or so, not least becuase teachers are able to control the class.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 5:52 PM in response to Cheap Today, Cheaper Tomorrow?
I can't comment on the fabled ps321. However, our experience was parents physcially assaulting teachers at parents' evenings (twice, separate people) in a city school which we pulled our daughter from two years back. We were fortunate enough to find another school where the teachers and the parents weren't on opposite sides.
And while I'll agree with you that its easy to make incorrect or convenient assumptions about the values of parents, when it comes to students "larking around" it is pretty clear cut as to what a student should and should not be doing at school.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 5:43 PM in response to Cheap Today, Cheaper Tomorrow?
blight be gone! real estate is local right?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 5:19 PM in response to Quote of the Day
gwb - I agree, also any tax increases Obama has in mind for the $250K plus set would most wisely be spent on infrastructure and transit.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 5:17 PM in response to 50% Less G Service Coming Our Way
sorry, "not simply a matter of looking at teacher ability"
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 5:00 PM in response to Cheap Today, Cheaper Tomorrow?
what I was hoping to convey is that the education provided doesn't differ as much as some "professional" commentators would have us believe; it is whether you can, and do, take advantage of the education that is provided. The comfort and saftey issues directly impact that. If you're in with a bunch of bad apples larking around in class, the teacher may be teaching the same but you'll have to work extra-hard to succeed. In other words, when parents are deciding whats a bad school, its not, as one might otherwise think, a matter of looking at teacher ability.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 4:52 PM in response to Cheap Today, Cheaper Tomorrow?
I know you're a bugger!
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 4:25 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
I don't need to know where you've been checking the oil with your dip stick thank you very much.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 4:16 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
Dave - I have no idea how you find time to go to all your US and world locations, - Meridia too. I must admit to being envious of the amount of freetime you have!
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 4:15 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
Dave are you sure thats not just the DIBS definition? - the oracle at Wikipedia notes their long-lastingness.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 4:12 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
DIBS is out fixing his verandah which he insists on calling a porch.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 4:07 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
now if it was a whole floorboard in herringbone pattern, that would be interesting. you'd need a pretty big room though.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 4:06 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
heres another:
http://www.parquetflooring.com/P09-Thurloe.htm
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 3:57 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
Dave - where did you get the idea that 3" strips means its not parquet? Perhaps thats a U.S. thing.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 3:55 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
I see the problem - its not specific in the story.
The Daily News was more precise, its the Queens part of the service (apart from ct. square and 21st st) thats being "cut".
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 3:39 PM in response to 50% Less G Service Coming Our Way
but thats not being affected Mr. B.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 3:37 PM in response to 50% Less G Service Coming Our Way
what about this place which i found when looking for herringbone:
www.
hardwoodfloorandinlays.com/parque_herringbone_pattern.htm
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 3:37 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
sorry to have to correct you BRG, but it is parquet, to be precise it is herringbone parquet.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 3:34 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
honestly - who takes the G from Court Square into deepest Queens? Its the run through brroklyn than has the passengers.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 3:30 PM in response to 50% Less G Service Coming Our Way
Snarky - I don't think the education one gets is the real issue. The education one gets at an NYC public school can clearly get you into an excellent college. The issue is whether the big majority of those in your class, and school, are on the same page as you - ie willing and wanting to learn. The violence and nonsense at certain public schools would lead a parent to immediately conclude not. Take the teachers of any diabolical school, put them in a different building with a bunch of willing kids, and you'll get plenty of good results.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 3:29 PM in response to Cheap Today, Cheaper Tomorrow?
ringo - I like parquet, except when it reminds me of my old school assembly hall.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 2:46 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
It is lovely (decor aside). I'm suprised Mr. B hasn't complained about the parquet in the library though.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 2:33 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
come on z- everyone on here who vocied an opinion that prices would go down were written off as lunatics or "bitter renters" or invited to "dream on". At least Miss Muffett is civil.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 2:31 PM in response to Cheap Today, Cheaper Tomorrow?
We can't expect "rational" from anyone with a vested interest, buyers or sellers. But with the economy going nowhere and layfss and order cancellations aking headliine news every day....
Ask some real estate professor from Dakota or something.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 2:19 PM in response to Cheap Today, Cheaper Tomorrow?
6 Mil and no root cellar? No thanks.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 1:35 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street
No, he totally took advantage. Totally, and to our loss.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 18, 2008 9:40 AM in response to Tuesday Links
I think he wants to know why people bought overpriced apartments in a hospital.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 5:48 PM in response to Streetlevel: Novo's Retail Tenant Appears
You lot would move to Greenpoint and then start complaining that the city should close the sewage works becuase it smells.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 12:23 PM in response to HOD Re-Opens for Business
A 50% cut across the board and they will move nicely
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 12:20 PM in response to What's New at OBBP
No, I don't want my kids with the crack-heads. Its just that one of the programs I have seen seemed to work very well. But where there isn't the public will to properly finance it, you're probably right, it'll just be a mess. And in this financial climate, theres no spare cash at all.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 11:09 AM in response to Notorious Crackhouse at 474 Greene Avenue Up In Flames
Dave, some places in the world allow addicts to use their drug in a controlled hygenic environment, where support is offered and available but not imposed, wehere clean disposable supplies are available and where people who genuinely care for such addicts and work with them are right there. Legalization can still be in a controlled environment.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 10:34 AM in response to Notorious Crackhouse at 474 Greene Avenue Up In Flames
traditionalmod
"They are fully equipped legally to take care of these situations."
Let me guess - you've never worked in a DA's office and you're not an attorney.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 10:06 AM in response to Notorious Crackhouse at 474 Greene Avenue Up In Flames
Santa - how do you get to your weekend house in the Catskills?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 9:46 AM in response to Park Slope Can't Measure Up to Marine Park
credible tip - thats the problem isn't it Dave? Suspicious activity, "that's a dealer's house", strange comings and goings - none of that is sufficient grounds.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 9:17 AM in response to Notorious Crackhouse at 474 Greene Avenue Up In Flames
Ms. Elkins, the naivety that comes forth in the first paragraph of your post is just sad. Moreso when contrasted with the level headedness of your second paragraph.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 17, 2008 8:18 AM in response to Notorious Crackhouse at 474 Greene Avenue Up In Flames
the lake is defintiely not the best part of the park. try the long meadow or whatever it is called.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 14, 2008 9:54 AM in response to Friday Links
price sanding - I like that term
Posted by: dittoburg at November 14, 2008 8:14 AM in response to Closing Bell: Rough Market Makes Strange Bedfellows
Is this Clinton Hill area near the oft-discussed Asshat Hill?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 13, 2008 1:08 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 360 Clinton Avenue One Bedroom
ENY - totally agree with your last sentence. Unfortunately the debate usually moves to blaming the teachers and/or city.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 13, 2008 1:05 PM in response to Brooklyn High Schools Improve
yes, time for everyone to go to bed. lets meet here tomorrow morning.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 6:01 PM in response to Quote of the Day
11217 - I was referring to pitbulls general complaint that NYC is unaffordable - when really it might well be affordable if you're not trying to buy more bedrooms than you have beds.
I agree with your general permis - there is plenty of affordable market rate stuff within the boundaries of NYC.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 5:52 PM in response to Quote of the Day
DIBS - are you trying to tell me you have guests that don't sleep in the same bed as you?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 5:49 PM in response to Quote of the Day
"A rising tide floats all boats"
Unless your boat has a hole in it.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Quote of the Day
if you're single why are you buying a two bedroom?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 5:27 PM in response to Quote of the Day
People can't be expected to commute from ocean parkway - thats madness.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 5:22 PM in response to Quote of the Day
Montrose - "Secondly, the people who whine on this site about the fairness of the programs for the lower classes are hardly rags to riches success stories. They have been comfortable their entire lives"
Thats exactly what I'm saying - you are just pulling this assumption out of the air.
Do you remember the article here about a successful work mentoring program, where people started by picking up litter. There were plenty of stories by posters accounting for what jobs they did and how they started off before they got to the comfortable position they are in today, plenty of non-privilege. I'm sure you are not one who would otherwise paint a group of people with one stroke.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 2:54 PM in response to Next Victim in Crashing Market: Affordable Housing
What - wrong. People need to be taught how to manage their finances, becuase apparently its not inherent.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 11:55 AM in response to Has the Buyers' Market Come to Brooklyn? Duh.
dear Z, MM is Montrose. Please don't confuse me with your abbreviations. lets call Miss Muffet MsM.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 11:34 AM in response to Has the Buyers' Market Come to Brooklyn? Duh.
I agree with MM, there should also be personal finance classes at school period, its a big gap in the cirriculum.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 11:32 AM in response to Has the Buyers' Market Come to Brooklyn? Duh.
MM, I disagree. Those cities you mention show what poverty is, not what inconvenience is (which is what most of the arguments here actually boil down too - really living in the back end of Queens or in Staten Island is not such a burden - who of us have not spent hours commuting at some point).
Also your dismissal of those disagreeing with the policy as "not knowing what fair is" is itself not fair. You dismiss the argument based on percieved privileges and ignorance of those who have, seemingly failing to realize that many of those who have were once have-nots and have had the very experiences you cite.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 11:18 AM in response to Next Victim in Crashing Market: Affordable Housing
man I fancy some grilled octopus from that place in Astoria with no menu
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 11:02 AM in response to A Mediterranean Makover
I heard that the guy who did the wall in this pic did some stylish work on West 9th near Smith too.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 10:47 AM in response to Has the Buyers' Market Come to Brooklyn? Duh.
Its about time the city subsidized affordable eating, too many of us have not tasted seared foie gras.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 10:40 AM in response to Next Victim in Crashing Market: Affordable Housing
true, but at the same time you won't be attracting new immigrants, who really bring the creativity and lifeblood to this city, if you create a structure that is financially burdensome and maintains those already in place without regard to those (otherwise) coming here.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 10:21 AM in response to Next Victim in Crashing Market: Affordable Housing
kids really throw a wrench into the caluclations.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 9:34 AM in response to Quote of the Day
at least all housing will be more affordable than it was..
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 9:24 AM in response to Next Victim in Crashing Market: Affordable Housing
CWB - that lack of distiniction between net and gross irritates me. Why the heck would one come up with a precise 36% figure - but then leave that vital piece of information out? Newspapers and news anchors also do it.
Also please use the word lampost instead of the horrible term lightpost, or even worse, lightpole.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 8:23 AM in response to Quote of the Day
I love that place. nearly 200 yrs old too.
I like the way wooden houses seem to breathe.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 1:30 PM in response to House of the Day: 72 Hicks Street
oh yea.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 12:35 PM in response to Redevelopment Stalled in Red Hook
he's incorrigible
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 11:36 AM in response to Celebrating the Shoe Repair Shop
As anyone come up with an alternative to ockham's razor (please excuse my spelling, the village is not far from where my parents live). It seems to me that the most complicated and tortuous explanation is what pople currently go for. What is that called?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 11:26 AM in response to Redevelopment Stalled in Red Hook
leftmanhat - didn't you reat the NYTimes real estate section this w/e? - everyone is admitting prices are falling.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 11:23 AM in response to Citigroup Puts the Kibosh on Foreclosures
I stopped going to the cobblers about 5 years ago when the prices they charged for re-soleing came close to the cost of a new pair. Of course if you bought a fancy pair that cost plenty, its still worthwhile.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 10:36 AM in response to Celebrating the Shoe Repair Shop
i suppose that three-master must be the Ikea ferry we've been hearing about. How long does the journey take with the tradewinds?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 9:25 AM in response to Redevelopment Stalled in Red Hook
I liked that tree at the entrance - I'll be very annoyed if it dies.
Anyway whats the obssession with "visitor centers". Waste of resources.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 8:30 AM in response to Tuesday Links
Guttman - oh dear. That man should be run out of town like Scarano nearly has been.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 8:05 AM in response to Condo of the Day: 50 Bridge Street
I should imagine all the zero brooklynites that commute to Manhattan via St. George would be up in arms.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 10, 2008 6:02 PM in response to East River Bridges May Not Be Free For Long
Just becuase its in "dumbo historic district" doesn't make it Dumbo. Dumbo is a neologism comapred to Vinegar Hill.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 10, 2008 5:59 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 50 Bridge Street
According to the NYTimes Bridge street is the border:
Q. How did the waterfront area in Brooklyn known as Vinegar Hill come by its piquant name?
A. John Jackson, a speculator, purchased a large tract of land on Wallabout Bay from the Sands brothers in 1800. Hoping to attract Irish immigrants, Mr. Jackson named a small part of it Vinegar Hill after the site of a fierce battle in the Irish rebellion of 1798, where insurgents were defeated on a hill near Enniscorthy in County Wexford. In Ireland, the name ''Vinegar Hill'' was an English homonym for a Gaelic term meaning ''hill of the wood of the berries.''
The cobblestoned Brooklyn neighborhood, bounded by Sands Street to the south, the old Brooklyn Navy Yard to the east, Bridge Street to the west and the East River, was also known in the 19th century as Irish Town. DANIEL B. SCHNEIDER
Posted by: dittoburg at November 10, 2008 3:38 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 50 Bridge Street
My 1940s guide has this as Vinegar Hill
Posted by: dittoburg at November 10, 2008 3:33 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 50 Bridge Street
Its the walmartization of god, he's handy and available in a non-threatening generic gray building that you feel comfortable in, whose message can change with the economic climate, and which one could convert into a Duane Reade if necessary.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 10, 2008 12:51 PM in response to Universal Church Almost Ready, Still Ugly
If your map is right, this isn't Dumbo is it?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 10, 2008 12:41 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 50 Bridge Street
or they could just actaully enforce fines that exist on the books but which they ignore.
(littering, dog poop).
Posted by: dittoburg at November 10, 2008 10:20 AM in response to East River Bridges May Not Be Free For Long
I gotta agree with you Sebb. Clealry the CG pricing was completely rational, after all its only come down 1 million dollars. Its not like they pulled that asking price out of a hat or anything.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 2:26 PM in response to Open House Picks
They are wainscotted windows.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 1:35 PM in response to Open House Picks
If it was grandma's ma they must of been building em tougher back in those days
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 1:30 PM in response to Fewer Mortgages for Minority Communities
CG - Just 3.1 mil down from 3.9 - what a bargain this must be. A going out of business sale?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 1:28 PM in response to Open House Picks
Theres over 1 million rent stabilized apartments in NYC. I've lived in two of them during my time here, neither was bad (of course there are godawful ones).
I like the Edwardian comment - both of my grandparents' parents were "in service" as they called it (though apprently one of them supplemented his income with barefist fighting). My understanding is that, as working class jobs went back in the day when people were living hand to mouth, being in service wasn't such a bad gig. Nowadys of course, the servants quarter's are rented out to help pay the mortgage.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 1:20 PM in response to Fewer Mortgages for Minority Communities
tybur - did you hear about rent stabilization?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 1:04 PM in response to Fewer Mortgages for Minority Communities
Fort Greene, sorry
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 12:49 PM in response to Fewer Mortgages for Minority Communities
Tybur6 - your 250K couple with two kids already can't afford Park Slope. And they ain't getting a house in Fort green either unless they've got a huge downpayment. Its only the rich that can afford Park Slope ....
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 12:44 PM in response to Fewer Mortgages for Minority Communities
stick-it-out-dity?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 12:42 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
Thats why I'm hoping someone actually involved in the process can chime in.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 12:32 PM in response to Fewer Mortgages for Minority Communities
Having just read the article...
I see that mortgages are up 27% for asians in Sunset Park.
How much of this is due to credit scores and income levels -and how much of it is due to racism?
Is there anyone here who works in the industry who can tell us how much the address of the property is taken into account when deciding whether to make the loan or not? And who actually makes that call?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 12:02 PM in response to Fewer Mortgages for Minority Communities
I'd be interested to see the figures for asians - clearly a minority but also having the highest average household income (above whites), and presumbaly good credit too.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 11:51 AM in response to Fewer Mortgages for Minority Communities
Denton, US taxes (and here I mean including NY state and NYC taxes ) are not "extremely low" compared to many western democracies. I have family in both Britain and Germany who keep more of their salary than I do. Whatsmore, they get free healthcare and education to boot. No huge bloated military budget to account for.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 9:17 AM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
Phew, with that many shoes there must be some major cash exchanging hands there.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 7, 2008 9:09 AM in response to Friday Links
Snarkslope, there are also plenty of people in this particular city who don't earn anything and don't get included in household income figures. Nevertheless, 250K to them is peanuts. NYC is unusual in this.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 4:47 PM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
I'll ditto that
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 3:43 PM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
There's some pyschological barrier at that 50% level.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 3:05 PM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
My point being, I suppose, is that its relative. You and your husband could certainly afford to pay more tax right? After all, many couples exist out there raising two kids on 50K a year. They would probably jump for joy with all the spare cash they'd get on your and your husband's income.
When a 250K salary just gets you a mortgage on the average home price in New York City ($853,000 in the first quarter of 2008), you might be smarting that you don't feel rich.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 2:50 PM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
Miss Muffett - of course 250K is a lot of money.
But it won't get you a mortgage to buy you any of the HOTDs seen on here. I undertstand that your are in the market for a new house, but without having had equity from the housing bubble runup, how could you ever hope to buy a brownstone, the house most people on this site want?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 2:38 PM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
I'm sure a local fish mongers would get old and new resident's business
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 2:31 PM in response to The Big Draw in Clinton Hill: Architecture
Tinarina - why I don't disagree with most of your points, your claim that pharmaceutical companies "have taken over most original drug research" from universities and the fed is simply incorrect. Universites do the original basic science research and applied technology, in fact under Clinton they expanded that more and more. Commerical products have been the realm of private companies for a long time. Universities never were in the market for doing drug research, its always been a small proportion of their total. I say that as someone who spent many years in academic research in universities with medical schools. In any event, what they do discover is patentable, and all top US universities make a huge chunk of cash now from licensing their patentable discoveries. However, univerisites should be encouraged (financially) to do more research in treating "unprofitable" diseases.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 2:10 PM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap
no antimacassars?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 1:56 PM in response to House of the Day: 399 Bergen Street
On second thoughts that price should come down $400.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 1:37 PM in response to House of the Day: 399 Bergen Street
I think thats a reasonable price for a cosy little place.
Not that I'm into the decor, but trying to be positive here.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 1:36 PM in response to House of the Day: 399 Bergen Street
Biff, I agree it is easier to jusitfy the salary, but we are talking about making US healthcare more affordable, not your private industry. The underprivileged masses aren't your customers ;-)
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap
re. the complete lack of price change on the clinton hill place - you've got to admire their stubborness. Not dropping a single buck!
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 12:41 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
There are some spectacular houses in CH.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 12:03 PM in response to The Big Draw in Clinton Hill: Architecture
tybur6, I'm sure Mr. Joist and everyone else understood that its marginal tax rates that are being discussed here...
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 12:02 PM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
Yes, well maybe you should take your 12 second advice because clearly the over 250K tax rate after Obama won't be be 33% if thats what it is now. That is why I asked you where you got the figure from.
Anyway why the hostility?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 11:52 AM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
Ironballs - doctor's pay could be 75% of what it is and the right people would still go into medicine. An MD shouldn't be a license to mint money, and if salaries were lower you can't say that those with a vocation would be deterred.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 11:22 AM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap
Mr joist - where did you get the idea that the fed rate on over 250K will be 33%?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 11:03 AM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
Also, cut council members slush funds, which seem to go to pay salaries in "charities" run by their relatives.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 10:32 AM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
what about an out-of-city-commuter tax? And fine those scofflaws who don't pick up after their dogs.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 9:30 AM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
he's gonna increase taxes on the top 5%...
There's going to be a lot less money floating around in this city in 2009. A 15% hike on personal income taxes will make our marginal rates huge.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 6, 2008 9:20 AM in response to End of the $400 Property Tax Rebate
I meant to say equality instead of equity, but it was a pretty expensive campaign.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 5, 2008 2:23 PM in response to If There Is Anyone Out There...
PMMtenement - I can't abide extremists of any flavor, whether it be doctor-shooting religious rightists or western-citizen-murdering talibanis. I think this election was a rejection of extremism in the US, especially foreign-policy-decided-by-what-god-said-to-me nonsense. To me it was an embrace of common humanity, reasonableness, equity. I think the religious extremists have in fact, after getting some of what they wanted, now realized they don't want it, and their movement is not so coherent anymore. Its been weakened, they've been chastened.
I'm not a religious person, but God bless Obama and all of us sailing with him.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 5, 2008 2:20 PM in response to If There Is Anyone Out There...
I see the L is backed up again.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 5, 2008 9:07 AM in response to Wednesday Links
The more educated tend to have smaller familes too...
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 6:05 PM in response to Quote of the Day
Oh, I see. That Japs ref. was in reference to the General MacArthur comment, (you know, the Phillipines etc.). It was tongue in cheek, unless Japan has invaded Park Slope ;-)
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 5:22 PM in response to Who's Moving to Downtown Brooklyn?
Eighth Ave., not getting what you mean. What of the findings listed in the story above are not discussable by brokers with their clients? How do they violate the fair housing laws? If the broker says - this are is all Haitian, then ok, there is an issue - but not here.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 5:01 PM in response to Who's Moving to Downtown Brooklyn?
Sam, where did anyone say brooklyn having more white people makes brooklyn better?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 4:32 PM in response to Quote of the Day
whats the problem as long as you don't discuss race?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 4:18 PM in response to Who's Moving to Downtown Brooklyn?
11217 you do like the double L
(bawled, delusional)
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 2:21 PM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
did he win yet?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 1:55 PM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
Obviously its the sofa thats making this place hard to sell.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 1:45 PM in response to House of the Day: 44 1st Place Revisited
Thats a sofa? I thought it was stuffed humpback whale.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 1:40 PM in response to House of the Day: 44 1st Place Revisited
3 mil one year ago, it woulda gone.
I know, not very helpful.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 1:24 PM in response to House of the Day: 44 1st Place Revisited
He did return. Just wait till the Japs leave Park Slope - they can't stay there forever.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 1:21 PM in response to Who's Moving to Downtown Brooklyn?
is it just me or are all the Scarano places looking dated already?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 1:14 PM in response to Condos of the Day: 120 Lexington Avenue
infinity plus 1.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 12:33 PM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
"The anti-Obama comments by certain posters are actually making me want him to win even more"
I thought you were already at maximim wantingness Biff.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 12:23 PM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
right - you must be referring to NYC rent statutes.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 12:20 PM in response to Who's Moving to Downtown Brooklyn?
Love those brick arches.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 11:48 AM in response to Bergen Street Brewery Still on the Block?
It could get to 10% easily, its already over 6% and whoever gets in, even if they are wearing a halo, will not be able to stop the recession momentum. Its a matter of how much they can ameliorate it.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 11:47 AM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
Everyone is lining up for this ride
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 10:38 AM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
My wife is the worst street-furniture collector. I try to scare her with bedbug allusions and I-saw-a-dog-weeing-on-that allegations.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 10:37 AM in response to Who's Moving to Downtown Brooklyn?
I'm impressed at everyone's effort considering the NY vote is a foregone conclusion.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 10:23 AM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
go round and ask the neighbors to spread some of their wealth to you, they're all for it.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 10:20 AM in response to Who's Moving to Downtown Brooklyn?
I'm planning to - just in case I commit some deportable felony.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 10:01 AM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
I didn't vote, I'm not allowed.
No taxation without representation eh?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 9:55 AM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
11217 - there you go again bringin up the charge of racism. What in Wine Lover's post leads you to that conclusion - or are you refering to some previous postings?
Im guessing you're writing on an Apple on the basis of your "dellusional" comment.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 8:44 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place
I'm hoping this house isn't renovated. Its fabulous, full of character and scooby dooness. leave it be.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 8:33 AM in response to Clinton Avenue Haunted Mansion Now 25% Cheaper
Well the place next door sold for 3 mill and there the front door opens into the half bathroom.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 4, 2008 8:31 AM in response to Condo of the Day: One Main Street, #3A
If they sell one to each Stribling Marketing Associates associate they might just make it.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 3:54 PM in response to Tough Times at One Brooklyn Bridge Park
thanks.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 11:34 AM in response to Back to Brooklyn (Thanks, in Part, to Brownstoner)
what what does not understand is that crime happens where it is permitted to happen. The blase acceptance/this-is-how-it-is/no snitching attitude means your hood will continue to suffer crime if the rest of the residents act the same. Communities who continually make concerted effort by reporting, hassling the cops to come around, attending precinct meetings, increasing lighting etc. etc. drive local crime rates lower.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 10:52 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place
setancre - they weren't they still working in the city?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 10:22 AM in response to Back to Brooklyn (Thanks, in Part, to Brownstoner)
All the PSers worried about crime could move here. No people = no crime.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 10:13 AM in response to Tough Times at One Brooklyn Bridge Park
pitbullNYC - I thought those people are removed from the general population by natural selection when they cross the street in their inward world?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 10:12 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place
There should be a law against those horrible floodlights that switch on when people walk by and deluge the whole block in stadium-strength lumens.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 9:59 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place
the selling point is that the views are great.
Well, not if you look towarss the BQE, but otherwise they are.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 9:18 AM in response to Tough Times at One Brooklyn Bridge Park
I wonder what the going rate is for her penthouse now?
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 9:15 AM in response to Tough Times at One Brooklyn Bridge Park
That open house on the left was ok, well staged. The food was a bit sweet though.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2008 8:55 AM in response to Monday Links
Let me declare - not all families have two incomes.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 4:43 PM in response to Just Sold in Brooklyn
I don't thjink many need to "add" a red brick front. Its right there under the vinyl.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 2:17 PM in response to DCP Wants to Keep Williamsburg and Greenpoint Low-Rise
a "collection of spaces". Is this some deconstructionist broker?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 2:13 PM in response to Open House Picks
I'm just the warm up guy for the bayridge burlesque
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 1:33 PM in response to Sheepshead Bay: Fifth Most Luxurious Neighborhood
Make me one with everything.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 1:14 PM in response to Sheepshead Bay: Fifth Most Luxurious Neighborhood
DIBS - if your culture worships cows and mine eats them, then you might have an issue with me, but that doesn't make you a racist.
I think BRG is talking about cultural differences.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 1:13 PM in response to How Brooklynites Donated
I don't know any Confucius jokes, I know what the Zen Buddhist said to the hot dog vendor though.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 1:00 PM in response to Sheepshead Bay: Fifth Most Luxurious Neighborhood
what the devil does "crack up jokes" mean?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 12:40 PM in response to Sheepshead Bay: Fifth Most Luxurious Neighborhood
See first sentence of your post for answer to question in second sentence of post.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 10:45 AM in response to City Will Buy Foreclosed Homes
The Navy Yard can't make up its mind.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 10:33 AM in response to How Brooklynites Donated
low rise unless its on the greenpoint waterfornt
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 10:19 AM in response to DCP Wants to Keep Williamsburg and Greenpoint Low-Rise
I think this is a good idea, spreading forelcosures can blight the neighborhood. If the new occupants have a means of gaining an ownership interest, this program could really work out well.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 9:22 AM in response to City Will Buy Foreclosed Homes
I didn't realize there were velociraptors along the canal.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 31, 2008 8:46 AM in response to Closing Bell: Wild Gowanus
It's "an asshat".
Posted by: dittoburg at October 30, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Foreclosure of the Week: 167 Prospect Place
I'll do three seconds of homework before posting next time - it's Manhattan Bridge loop
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 6:21 PM in response to Quote of the Day
Schultz, I completely agree with you. (Royal "we"?)
There's a Hopper picture of the Manhattan Bridge terminal, or something like that, which sums it up.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 6:19 PM in response to Quote of the Day
damn, beat me
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 2:59 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street
DIBS how often do you get to bangkok?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 2:59 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street
BH&6 - don't forget the footmen salaries.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 2:42 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street
By the looks of it I'm guessing the whole place can concertina away into nothing. Which is handy.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 2:40 PM in response to Development Watch: 272 19th Street
It's the rarefied air they have to pump through the buildings.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 2:11 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street
I have no idea why pâté is so expensive in the US. lack of demand perhaps.
they better have cornichons there.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 2:07 PM in response to Streetlevel: New French Restaurant Coming to W'burg
Does their italian wedding soup have the escarole and veal or is it the fake version with spinach?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up
based on the comments here, these places are clearly underpriced.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 11:02 AM in response to Price Hikes in Greenpoint? Say What?
didn't greenpoint properties once have the old stables/carriage house on Freeman st. for sale at a $4 million pricetag?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 10:47 AM in response to Price Hikes in Greenpoint? Say What?
Boreum H - if you're self employed, you can double your 4% social security figure.
Miss Muffett, just because one see's issues with Obama's tax policy doesn't mean that one is pro-McCain. That sounds like Bush's "if your'e not with us your un-American" type logic.
Its always wise to look at the actual details of a candidates' promises over the media-friendly summarizing soundbites. Its clear that those over $250K (salaried) will take a hit, and if NYC raises income taxes too, it will be a significant hit.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 10:19 AM in response to Case Shiller's Silver Lining?
OK, they came up with some good reasons as to why the slump might be over by then, but still ringing in my ears are the various experts claiming in August of this year that the worst (economy and housing price declines) was behind us.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 9:08 AM in response to Housing Slump Almost Over
I like the cheerful paint job
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 8:46 AM in response to Streetlevel: New Salon in Boerum Hill
Balconies don't really work in these settings - they seem more attractive to the buyer than they actaully turn out to be once the buyer has moved in. They usually become a bicycle storage area. The only time they look good is when people make a concerted effort to beautify balconies with plants.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 29, 2008 8:45 AM in response to Development Watch: 63 Clifton Place
Those jobs were just realtor jobs.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 3:27 PM in response to Case Shiller's Silver Lining?
Is Clusterstock unaware of October 2008?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 1:38 PM in response to Case Shiller's Silver Lining?
I don't like the window treatments in that house pictured.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 1:37 PM in response to Case Shiller's Silver Lining?
I like the brick wall in the garden. thats my comment.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 12:49 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 145 Park Place, #2B
most republicans
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 12:33 PM in response to Renters Love Obama
The This Old House Weston project on the TV at the moment - what happened to that huge cross beam cut from the very old log? It seems to have a crack right down the middle now, but I caught the tail end of the show so I don't know how it happened. Anyone see it?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 11:32 AM in response to Which One is the TOH Brooklyn Site?
DIBS, was the word top in the last sentence of your penultimate paragraph a freudian slip?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 10:59 AM in response to Renters Love Obama
Im sure every renter will vote someone in who, if in office, will insure all rents will not be Effected!
Seriously though, if Obama made rent tax deductible he'd get all the renters on his team.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 10:50 AM in response to Renters Love Obama
I think they intend to migrate to "Alaska", wherever that is.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 10:22 AM in response to The Obama Escape Clause
I know whats wrong with this photo - it is too similar to the photo in the story below.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 9:53 AM in response to Mortgages More Elusive for Some Minorities
We are being nitpicky today. At least your headline is more accurate than the the NYDN in pointing out its not simply all minority mortagages that are down.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 9:43 AM in response to Mortgages More Elusive for Some Minorities
No thats no good, try another one.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 9:28 AM in response to Mortgages More Elusive for Some Minorities
That Cobble Hill guy sounds like a very interesting character.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 28, 2008 8:49 AM in response to Tuesday Links
BRG - as long as you can ride your horse there it qualifies as an estate.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 5:06 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
Well at least asking prices are holdin up nicely.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 19 Grace Court, #3B
I meant that as a dissatisfied groan, not a satisfied one.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 4:16 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
groan
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 4:15 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
tell us DIBS
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 4:09 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
An estate is extent of land of the mansion, or manor house, (and can include the house), but it is not the house itself.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 4:08 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
I think you're right Biff. Please strike my earlier comments from the record m'lord.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 4:01 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
It does have a grand piano at least.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 3:54 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
More Ailanthus coming this way.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 3:50 PM in response to Development Watch: No Changes at 500 Sterling
I've never understood what the word "cultured" means in cultured stone. Anyone care to explain to me?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 3:49 PM in response to Today on the Brownstoner Backpages
OK, so we agree its not a mansion but it is a nice house. All those in favor say aye
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 3:47 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
The wikipedia entry for mansion has got pictures of houses that are mansions.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 2:59 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
Sender, I am from London. We'd never call this a mansion. These houses are two a penny in London.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 2:57 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
mansion to me always means freestanding.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 2:41 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
The oil slick hasn't even crossed west of McGuiness, let alone get to Williamsburg.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 1:52 PM in response to The View from the Edge
new2hood - they must be embarrassed to be selling. You'll have to knock on the door disguised as the pizza man or a keyspan operative.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 1:50 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
Well why don't you just look at the lovely Stuy Town instead, just to the right.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 1:13 PM in response to The View from the Edge
11217 - I think you have an odd opinion of the people on here - the crowd here basically only post during work hours. How many people post at the weekends - none as far as I know.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 1:04 PM in response to The Housing Crisis Has Arrived
DIBS - thats where I buy my hideaway, not the vacation home.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 1:02 PM in response to The Housing Crisis Has Arrived
I'm thinking of buying a vacation home on the cote d'azur.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 12:51 PM in response to The Housing Crisis Has Arrived
And just a short kayak ride too when you can't get on the L.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 11:37 AM in response to The View from the Edge
Vinca - good call.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 11:29 AM in response to Top 50: The Final Wrap
Foxy brown is a diabolically bad role model - shes always assaulting someone or letting it rip at the peons. No way she should be on the list.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Top 50: The Final Wrap
Thats some s.e.m.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 10:59 AM in response to The Housing Crisis Has Arrived
Nice conversion - but isn't it like living in a hotel?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 10:35 AM in response to Nestling In at 110 Livingston
Pets are ok? Things must be bad.
(disclosure - I am a multiple pet owner)
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 10:34 AM in response to 587 Washington: Already a Rental?
After prices skewed widely upwards from incomes, it was fairly inevitable this would all end in tears, credit crisis or not. $630k for a place in Sheepshead Bay never made sense.
I feel badly for these people, they weren't flippers, they were all living in their homes. But a shock was needed to bring back prices in line with incomes. (and rents as HR points out).
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 9:13 AM in response to The Housing Crisis Has Arrived
The implosion of the housing market and hyperdevelopment came just a little too late, things were already in progress.
To answer Tybur's question - "Why didn't the community have this building protected by the city years and years ago?" - its because the community would never have dreamed that such protection was even required. Who would even think of demolishing a beautiful old handbuilt gem like this?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 27, 2008 9:07 AM in response to Weekender: The Green Church Bites the Dust
g man - I get your point, but that still doesn't make it democratic to say "you can't vote for B", it clearly can never be democratic to say that. If the voters want to vote in something undemocratic (i.e. an undemocrtic restriction that is the result of a democratic vote) thats fine, but it doesn't change that fact. The voters could vote in a referendum for a one-party one-candidate election. But the subsequent election wouldn't be democratic would it?
Perhpas Kim Jong-Il will throw his hat into the ring.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 5:45 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
Good luck with that ENY.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 5:29 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
I think that the words describing removal of "term limits" are a poor description, it implies that the single term itself can somehow be unlimited, or expanded at least.
It reminds me of when I read the headline that Spitzer was "involved in a prostituion ring" only to find out he was a john and not a pimp.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 5:26 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
I wish I could vote.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 5:20 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
Ok, explain how, with A, B and C wanting to be mayor, and offering themselves, it is democratic to say "you can vote for A or C (but you can't vote for Bloomers, aka B)".
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 5:15 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
Ive heard there's all three types on the menu there.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 5:12 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
Yes, that no corresponding increase in schools/transport etc was a bad oversight.
ENY, why are you so worried about term lmits if you are a smoker? Aren't they only going to be an issue to people who are still around to see him rule again?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 5:07 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
I meant aren't inherently undemocratic.
at least I think I did.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 5:01 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
Yes, carry on shouting its a sham, thats very persuasuve.
Term limits themselves aren't inherently democratic are they? Otherwise we wouldn't have SHeldon silver.
why are people acting like its a coup d'etat. Let meeee say it one more time, or for the first time actually, "Bloomberg will only become mayor if he is voted in by the voters".
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:57 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
He didn't run the city into the ground.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:54 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
I'm looking forward to Times Sq getting seedy again, I missed it the first time.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:47 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
And I've just discovered Shelly has been in his seat for 32 years.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:32 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
whaddya all think of term limits for the New York County district attorney? (current incumbent 33 years in place)
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:29 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
I think we should call him Bloomers. As per Wikipedia.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:22 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
Don't get me started on Silver.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:08 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
Brick buildings don't look so handsome painted. It would probably have garnered more support if it was not.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:02 PM in response to Ward's Bakery, Not 2 Columbus Circle, the Real Loss
What about MKG?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 4:00 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
council member's slush fund corruption, thats what pisses me off. Not seeing Bloomy on the ballot again - just vote against him if you don't want him.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 3:55 PM in response to Tish and BdB Suing Over Term Limits
"if we can't have it, we don't like it."
That means I don't like that 1955 gullwing Mercedes.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 11:45 AM in response to Real Estate Blogs "A Great Forum to Vent Anger"
" I really don't think this is the place where high-end buyers go to when looking for RE - let alone opinion about RE"
Please do provide a description of where us owners and buyers do go so that we can roundly criticize it roundly.
In any event - don't these blogs provide a necessary foil to the over-effusive saccharine blathering hyper-excited hogwash that brokers provide. Awesome, stunning, breathtaking, spectacular. The kind of words that the rest of us only use when visting the Grand Canyon.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 10:49 AM in response to Real Estate Blogs "A Great Forum to Vent Anger"
Yes you're right on the mark crimsonson (are you the descendant of a permanently embarrassed Icelander?), people generally go to the professionals, the brokers. Because thats where you get the truth about the place they are trying to sell to you.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 10:32 AM in response to Real Estate Blogs "A Great Forum to Vent Anger"
I adds a whole dimension to one's perception of a place knowing that history.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 10:26 AM in response to House of the Day: 1290 Pacific Street Revisited
I have to disagree crimson, I've seen some very erudite base comments on here.
This is all getting meta-referential.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 10:07 AM in response to Real Estate Blogs "A Great Forum to Vent Anger"
Where do you get all this great info from then?
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 9:59 AM in response to House of the Day: 1290 Pacific Street Revisited
BRG - you're right, they really didn't do us justice, they made us out to be kittens really.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 9:53 AM in response to Real Estate Blogs "A Great Forum to Vent Anger"
Poor old doc Fernandez, money can't buy taste as they say.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 9:33 AM in response to Real Estate Blogs "A Great Forum to Vent Anger"
I've found ghost stories work best with kids when (1) you're camping (2) you tell them when its dark and quiet and(3) you use the old flashlight under the chin technique.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 9:29 AM in response to Weekend Events
Amzi - about three months ago a touristing family (I'm guessing they were from Utah/Colorado) asked me on Park Avenue in midtown whether there was a "dry goods store" nearby. I blanked.
Posted by: dittoburg at October 24, 2008 9:28 AM in response to House of the Day: 1290 Pacific Street Revisited
It will be a home. For Ailanthus altissima for about two years. Then things will change again.
polemicist - there you go with your everything must fall to the hi-density-god extremism again.
Posted by: dittoburg at November 20, 2008 11:23 AM in response to Karma Is a Bitch: 185 Ocean Developer Sucking Wind