I had the very same problem on Classon Ave a couple of years ago when I lived opposite a *hotel*. I was very active for a while, attending community council meetings, writing letters, passing around a petition, etc. I think it helped, but I had to be very persistent. The community council meetings are the best place to start. They happen once a month (call your precinct for the info). Take some neighbors with you if you can. The more people who speak up about it the better. Also, DO keep calling 911 even if you think it's not helping -- and tell your neighbors to call too. Those calls are documented/tracked and if it looks like they're spiking in a certain area they'll presumably send more beat cops.

Posted by: herkimer at November 13, 2008 2:02 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

I used WCK Electric to rewire my house and have been very happy. Paul Laidlow is the owner. I recommended him to a friend who used him and was also happy. His guys really know what they're doing, are creative thinkers and take pride in their work. At the tail end of a long renovation I can tell you that matters a lot (and is pretty hard to find, pride of workmanship) even on a small job. He's licensed and reasonably priced. Phone number is 917-939-4956.

Posted by: herkimer at August 14, 2008 4:13 PM in response to Need electrician to...

I just had my backyard cleared out by Evergreen Tree Service and they did a really great job. I was stunned that they cut down a whole tree (it was growing between the chain link fence -- will replant in a better location, tree lovers), trimmed others and cleared the entire, nasty, overgrown, unusable thing out in about 2 hours. This is their website http://www.evergreentreeshrubinc.com/ I got their number from a neighbor who had them take down a 7 story tree and also raved about them. It was not cheap, it was like $750, but they had all the equipment and really knew what they were doing. It was messy, they had to pass through my bedroom and kitchen with all that debris, but it was over so fast it was worth it. I recommend doing it all at once and just get it over with. I can send you pictures. Email me at herkimer dot street at yahoo dot com

Posted by: herkimer at June 5, 2008 11:42 PM in response to Someone to clear overgrown yard?

The guys building putting up a house next to mine a couple of years ago asked if they could tap into my electricity. They offered me a flat rate of $50/month to which I said no because I had no way of knowing how much they would ultimately use. Besides I'd have to give them access to my house which was out of the question 'cause I'm gone all day. They got a generator.

Posted by: herkimer at June 5, 2008 11:10 PM in response to Developer requests to user neighbors electricity ????

serious buyers DO use Craig's list. I found both my houses on it and rarely looked at the Times.

Posted by: herkimer at May 30, 2008 12:30 PM in response to FSBO/Craigs List

Jackson and Perkins sells a product called "aphid chaser". It worked on my roses like a charm.

Posted by: herkimer at May 22, 2008 2:01 PM in response to black aphids

First of all, the first response to your post was a troll so ignore that about your iPod. I lived on Classon for several years recently (moved to Herkimer St end of last year). The Lefferts hotel was the subject of a police investigation last year and as a result was closed for several months and fined for illegal activities. It has since reopened and is very much under police scrutiny. Might not be perfect but it is much improved. Lefferts Place is a beautiful street and I met so many terrific people in the neighborhood through the very active and strong Lefferts Place community council. As far as the subway goes, I took the Franklin C consistently (take the A at Nostrand now) and while it's not a beautiful station the trains run well and I never had a problem there. If you're looking for amenities this isn't the best neighborhood for you, but there's still a decent grocery store on Fulton Street, the Outpost cafe, a wine shop, several restaurants and from the looks of it more and more new business opening up all the time. Prospect Heights is fun and interesting and not far. You won't have a problem if you're friendly and care about being a good neighbor.

Posted by: herkimer at May 1, 2008 3:32 PM in response to Clinton Hill:Lefferts Place okay to move to?

In both of my houses major construction took place directly adjacent to the property. In one instance an entirely new house was built, foundation and all, and in the other, the house next door was gutted from roof to basement. Take pictures, yes, just to be on the safe side, but in neither instance was my house affected in the slightest and i just mention this because more likely than not yours won't be either. The worst of it was the noise and dust.

Posted by: herkimer at April 21, 2008 4:21 PM in response to Advice - how to safeguard my rights ? Demolition/dev. to begin next door

I recommend Joe Salem of Woodzone who just refinished the floors of an apartment and the hallways of my house, and also made some repairs. The floors turned out beautifully. He gets good recommendations throughout this forum and his prices are very reasonable.

Posted by: herkimer at April 17, 2008 4:02 PM in response to looking for wood floor refinishers

hi, I own a 2 family and a 3 family (live in the latter). The houses are identical in size so the 3 family isn't really more to manage, size-wise anyway. There is slightly more to manage with more tenants, but since I bought the 3 fam expressly because it would generate a better income, that's not an issue.

As far as the RE market goes, who the heck has any idea what's going to happen in 5-7 years? In terms of value, I think houses are harder to sell at the 4-family size and up. 3 is still manageable. There are plenty of people out there who specifically want/need the slightly higher income of a multi-family, so I personally wouldn't let that sway your decision one way or another. You'll lose some potential buyers but not that many.

IMO, the major difference has to do with code. A 3 family is MUCH stricter about it (egresses, sprinklers, self-closing doors, etc.) than a 2 family. It's something to consider if you're planning on having work done and filing with the DOB 'cause they'll give you a violation if your nose ain't clean.

Posted by: herkimer at April 9, 2008 4:19 PM in response to Two Family v. Three Family

Don't forget Gardell's Garden in Fort Green on S. Portland between Fulton and Lafayette. He does landscaping. There's also the Chelsea Garden Center that opened up last year in Red Hook. They would probably be able to offer up some references if not actual landscaping services.

Posted by: herkimer at April 8, 2008 3:12 PM in response to Gardener/Landscaper needed in Bed-Stuy

can anyone post the cost of their fence project?

Posted by: herkimer at March 30, 2008 4:27 PM in response to Wood Fence contractor

As a result of the above recommendation I contacted Henry to do some work at my house. We met to discuss the jobs and pricing. I scheduled him to start Monday, but he didn't show up. When I called to find out where he was he said he was changing his quote (one he set himself -- I accepted his pricing and didn't haggle or negotiate). He wasted my time and I would not recommend him. He's unreliable.

Posted by: herkimer at March 19, 2008 1:55 PM in response to Recs for a handy helping hand?

you're "anti car" yet you would buy a spot that profits from and essentially promotes their use. I find that strange.

Posted by: herkimer at January 18, 2008 11:53 PM in response to Parking and Points

Joe Salem of Woodzone stripped some doors for me recently. He also sanded and refinished the floors -- not exactly what you're talking about but he's also slotted to strip and refinish several FP mantels in my house and I'm confident he'll do a great job. He's easy to work with, professional and his prices are good.

Posted by: herkimer at January 8, 2008 12:55 PM in response to wood restoration

I'm currently having my entire house rewired by WCK Electric. They're not finished yet, but so far they're doing a really good job.

Posted by: herkimer at January 7, 2008 2:35 PM in response to Electrician Recommendations

That's absurd. Being picky and asking questions doesn't mean the client is being difficult. People pay scads of money to get their houses fixed up. It would be insane to hand over fistfuls of money without asking questions and getting specifics about the job. If I ever got the sense I was going to get charged more simply for wanting quality work and transparency then I'd pass on that contractor pronto.

Posted by: herkimer at January 1, 2008 12:05 PM in response to Renovation Question

Go to your precinct's next community council meeting en masse. You do not have to speak publicly. You can speak to the precinct Inspector directly. There are a number of things that can then be done but do not lie and say that they are dealing drugs in front of the building if you do not think this is the case. Make sure that you let your landlord know and get them onboard. Take the landlord's contact information and if possible a letter from them giving the police permission to place the building under their program that allows them to make sweeps of the public spaces in the private building and charge anyone on the premises without permission with trespass. Of course if they have drugs on them they will be charged accordingly. In addition you can press your landlord to install surveillance cameras.

If there is drug dealing instead of crackheads hanging out, it will take longer to remedy but the process is pretty much the same except that the police will refer it to narcotics who will send in undercover cops.

Posted by: Just Wondering at November 13, 2008 2:39 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

Stoop washing has been a tried and true method of helping to relocate undesirables. In this day and age, an automatic sprinkler, perhaps?

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 13, 2008 2:42 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

Stoop washing has been a tried and true method of helping to relocate undesirables. In this day and age, an automatic sprinkler, perhaps?

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 13, 2008 2:42 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

Thanks for the info. There is 3 of them, but one woman in particular who is there half the day. She knows I call 911 so she disappears when she sees me but than appears half hour later after the cops show up and leave. I know calling 911 will eventually register and I have asked the neighbors and my building to follow suit.

I like the idea of pouring water on the spot.

Posted by: Watermellon at November 13, 2008 2:53 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

Adam,

The building was on 4th Ave and 82nd Street in Bay Ridge.
They were only open for a few weeks. It looked suspicious because once I saw a few under-dressed Russian women hanging out in the lobby smoking, but I was at work all day and didn't hear or see much because I lived on the 6th floor. Then, an angry John took a baseball bat and smashed in the doorbell intercom system when they would't let him in one night. Everyone kept complaining to the building owner who did nothing except order a new intercom system. I called the cops who were amazed that no one had called sooner. I was even more surprised at how fast they raided and closed it.

Posted by: premadas at November 13, 2008 2:59 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

Can you put a gate on your steps (I see that in the Village and in high traffic areas in Brooklyn)?

Posted by: Putnamdenizen at November 13, 2008 3:04 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

You could try scaring them off with punctuation!

Seriously, though: water. Don't pour it on anyone (no really. don't.) but as soon as they leave dump a bucket of water out on the stoop (hot and soapy if they've been pissing).

Posted by: serpentor at November 13, 2008 3:21 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

Pu up gate for the stoop and put up no trespassing sign.
Then cops can do something.

Posted by: Petebklyn at November 13, 2008 3:24 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

The cops will not arrest anyone for trespassing in a private building without the permission of the landlord or their representative, even if a sign is posted. The gate may keep them out though. If you don't want to wait for the next Council meeting just make an appointment to go over and speak to the Inspector.

Posted by: Just Wondering at November 13, 2008 3:51 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

get a pitbull. im telling you, crackheads are TERRIFIED of pitbulls.. i know, i lived in harlem.

-rob

Posted by: PitbullNYC at November 13, 2008 3:53 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment