dittoburg: rendering 4 is a kindof sideways look off the end of cherry walk, which is the winding path to the east of cherry esplanade. presumably drawn with a very wide-angle lens.... i'll ask my colleagues if they have an overhead plan to share, this could help clear up the confusion.

no plans to change the japanese garden into a parking lot! in fact, as i've heard it plans are to change a bit of the parking lot into garden (bioswales for better water management).

cheers,
eliz

Posted by: eliz at July 8, 2009 9:07 AM in response to BBG Visitor Center Design Unveiled, Award Announced

hi peeps,

i happen to work at BBG so i can unofficially correct some of the misinformation on this thread. First: tree peonies successfully relocated this past spring. Ditto giant ginkgo. (come visit and see them!) A new Herb Garden has been constructed in a location in the SE part of BBG and will open at the end of the summer, with a knot garden, overlook, orchard & more space.

the new building itself is designed specifically to embrace the Garden's "understated elegance" - it will be built not at the end of Cherry Esplanade (which was actually the original, Olmsted Partners plan!) but on the NE perimeter, on Washington Ave where the current parking lot entrance is. it's designed to nestle into the existing berm and blend into the environment, while on Washington Ave it will open the Garden up more to the community. the existing facilities will continue to be well used, allowing more space for classes and programs.

Finally, re the budget: this is part of a capital project that has been in the planning for a decade or so. (I got here 3 yrs ago.) The monies are separate from BBG's operating funds. So it's not like we decided to cut programs in order to fund new construction. Future projects coming out of this campaign include new and restored gardens. All in all: more space for community service, more and better gardens for those who love bbg. and yes, probably more weddings, but the revenue from those keeps our gates open and our gardens growing, so i've learned not to complain about them!

cheers,
eliz

Posted by: eliz at July 7, 2009 2:43 PM in response to BBG Visitor Center Design Unveiled, Award Announced

Thanks for the advice. i wasn't clear on something: i have no idea what the defect is. there are some cracks, but nothing i would consider a trip hazard. (and nyc has not replaced/repaired anything for the 7 years i've been here.) so i need to get the original notice to see what they flagged as a defect. i used the first link vinca provided to request information, hopefully this will help clear it up and then i can take the steps required.

Posted by: eliz at June 13, 2009 12:17 PM in response to How to Clear a Sidewalk Lien?

Totally dull addition to this thread (though yes, i also appreciate hot dads in the 'hood): yes, it's on the 5th floor; yes, it has amazing views; yes, it's "compact" but that seems to work (675 ft2). there's a floorplan on the listing, and the price is now $399K, which will be seen as a bargain in the not-too-distant future. no elevator, though that _was in the first iteration of the 1930s conversion plans. and i've read about the chicken bones in old records: much quieter crew here these days.

it's a self-managed building, which should weed out some folks and attract others. See http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/realestate/30habi.html

(i happen to live across the hall from the apt in question...)

Posted by: eliz at June 11, 2009 10:55 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 670 Park Slope

a room unit with a hepa filter is a whole other ballgame than your a/c filter. it will remove & trap dust, pollen, mites, etc. i use a rabbit air - i wish i could say it helps me as much as some of the testimonials for it claim. but when i turn it off, my allergies get markedly worse and i wake up congested, so it's clearly helping.

Posted by: eliz at June 11, 2009 10:18 PM in response to Room Air Filter for Allergies

Thanks again!

Posted by: eliz at May 20, 2009 9:34 AM in response to ISO accountant recommendation

And after the cherries come lilacs, azaleas, iris, bluebells, roses.... it's a nonstop show!

Posted by: eliz at May 1, 2008 7:51 PM in response to Closing Bell: Cherry Blossom Timelapse

I have had a Honeywell (round) Hepa Filter for many years that my husband bought at Sears. It is at least 10 years old. As long as I change the filters regularly it works great, even with doors open or AC on. There is an online comapny called Filter Solutions that sells the replacement filters at half of what Honeywell charges.

One trick you can use is to run the Hepa filter on high for an hour in the room with doors and windows closed before going to sleep at night.

Another thing to do is to buy good anti-allergen mattress and pillow covers. I use ones from Allergy Control Products.

Posted by: premadas at July 20, 2009 2:42 PM in response to Room Air Filter for Allergies