herkimermaid's Profile
- herkimer dot street at yahoo dot com
- 1985
- 2004
- Brooklyn
- Bedford Stuyvesant
- House
- graphic design
- Female
- 43
Author's Posts
August 3, 2009
architectural salvage places?
hi b'stoners, a friend of mine needs to locate a fireplace mantle for his his 1929 single-family house (stone or wood). I can get a list complied of various salvage places easily enough but was wondering if anyone had any first-hand experience with some of these places in the north-east (great inventory, especially knowledge people, good prices, etc.). They'd prefer to keep the hunt confined to NY/NJ/PA area if possible. thanks!
February 25, 2009
How to secure an open window?
I'd like to be able to leave my garden level windows open a few inches for air while I'm out of the house (or at night) and not worry about them being opened further from the outside. I've been wondering if there's a product or some way to secure them on the inside so they're several inches open. The windows are old and don't have that newer security feature that pops out to prevent the window from being opened all the way. New windows aren't an option at this point unfortunately. If anyone has any ideas or tricks please let me know.
January 27, 2009
This Old House in Brooklyn
hey neighbors, not sure if this has been posted already, but just in case... This Old House is doing its first renovation project in Park Slope:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/house-project/overview/0,,20238790,00.html
And Brownstoner gets a mention in the article!
November 17, 2008
help pricing a 1 BR rental?
I own a 3 family in Bed-Stuy and am having trouble renting out a 1 bedroom apt. It's a high quality reno and the apartment is really beautiful: parquet floors, original shutters, 10' tin ceilings, 2 decorative mantels, new kitchen with ss appliances, free shared washer/dryer, etc. The location is good and, while the block isn't very pretty, it's super convenient (1 block to the express stop at Nostrand, 1 block to major grocery store and PO). It's also spacious, a true 675SF. How would you price it? Is anybody else having trouble renting their apartments?
Author's Comments
Can't speak for the schools, but I own a house on Classon near the corner of Fulton, lived there for 4 years, and never had a problem. Since I moved 2 years ago my tenants haven't had any problems. I know some people on Franklin near Monroe and as far as I know they've never had a problem either.
CrownHeightLady has a point about the police presence on Fulton, but b/c of the Pleasant Stay *Hotel* (ahem), there is usually a character or two hanging around the corner at Classon/Fulton, esp late at night. Doesn't necessarily make it unsafe or even especially scary but if you're not used to a little "grit" the area might not be right for you, so check it out thoroughly before signing a lease or buying anything!
On a positive note the YMCA is right there on Bedford @ Monroe which is excellent and, just judging from the squealing in the locker room, has lots of fun programs for kids.
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 17, 2009 11:41 AM in response to Monroe Street Safety & Schools
well if that means "am I having some fun?" the answer is yes! :)
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 4:14 PM in response to Open Thread
hmm, I'll have to start checking in after 6 more often :)
Jack Slade uses a suspicious number of exclamation points!!!
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Open Thread
interesting snappy, I hear the ladies have been doing some brewing in the late afternoons...
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 3:52 PM in response to Open Thread
haha I get the mutton-chop joke now :) well, if the ladies of brownstoner wanted to gather at my place I'd be happy to host and would offer up my specialty dish: asbestos paté served on wafer-thin crackers and sprinkled lightly with lead dust.
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Open Thread
Awesome article about Monty. I love that those houses are right around the corner from me. It's such a beautiful area. Thanks for illuminating it for us MM. I mentioned in the OT that I'm in Crown Heights pretty frequently these days and I look at the houses and architectural details a lot differently now. Well, I actually LOOK now, if you get me :)
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Walkabout: The Architects - Montrose Morris, Part 1
ahhhh... well I could offer up my place for the ladies, but seeing as how I'm living in the middle of a botched reno and have no kitchen, all food would have to be 'waved or cold. BUT you could all have a good hearty laugh at my un-brownstonerly home! :)
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 3:19 PM in response to Open Thread
noooo! I love muttonchops! actually, truthfully, I don't get that joke... does it per chance reference another thread to which I wasn't privy?
snappy: there is nothing quite like a cookie sheet that fits. God the feeling... the pure, unadulterated satisfaction. Lest there be any mistake, I am dead serious.
btw I never made to O'Conners to ask about food... I could try to get there this weekend. Are there still plans in the works for a clambake?
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 3:08 PM in response to Open Thread
CarGar:
she has totally won me over. what an adorable and loving (and beloved) creature. Really, i'm jealous!
bxgrl:
will do that! Maybe next week sometime??
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 2:59 PM in response to Open Thread
hi THL, how ya doing? Work's too busy most of the time to get away... The next best thing however is stalking perfectly innocent PLUSAs! So much fun and I'm really more about "in-person" type meetings :)
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 2:44 PM in response to Open Thread
hwy, I've been thinking about you guys 'cause I jog over in Crown Heights now. It's too bad I didn't know the nabe when I bought a few years ago. CH is just block after block of beautiful houses and quiet streets. Anyway, I was thinking we should check out that new wine bar on Lewis one of these days if you're up for it. Have you been yet?
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 2:37 PM in response to Open Thread
CRAP I've been missing that? Must. Organize. Clambake.
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 2:30 PM in response to Open Thread
Are we WITCHES now? :) Careful I'll start conjuring cats.
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Open Thread
I don't know.. I can kind of see why the What is banned at this point. He rarely contributes much more than gratuitously incendiary remarks. enough already.
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 2:21 PM in response to Open Thread
hey bxgrl did the ladies ever have their gathering?
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 2:17 PM in response to Open Thread
yeah I totally agree, not for a big gathering, just maybe one of the smaller in-between ones.
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 1:42 PM in response to Open Thread
whew! You think i'm scary now... just wait until I lose my favorte stocker status to some loser at the food coop!
Speaking of booze (which is really why I'm here) we should check out Ft Defiance one of these days. Not the easiest to get to but worth the effort. Maybe one of the PLUSA gatherings?
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Open Thread
wait -- I have competition?! I can't compete with someone who works at the freakin' Park Slope Food Coop!! Well, I'll just have to up the ante. Canned goods got nothin' on a free round at Henry Public, eh? Who's your favorite now?
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 1:21 PM in response to Open Thread
wow *what* just happened?!
heya CarGar, greetings from your favorite stocker :) Assuming I'm your favorite of course...
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 1:14 PM in response to Open Thread
hello people. I'm here to make my monthly blog-by comment: sunflower seeds are GROSS AS HELL! Um, did the ladies of brownstoner ever have their meet-up??
Posted by: herkimermaid at November 10, 2009 12:57 PM in response to Open Thread
herkimermaid wrote a review about 67 Burger on October 26, 2009 4:51 PM
hmmm, I order out from here not too infrequently and have never had a problem with the service, my order, the quality of the food, etc. I think they do a pretty good job overall and have remained consistent.
Biff, you didn't get Clooney?? Seriously, that's one very flawed test :)
CarGar, I'm totally jealous -- Joan Collins?! shit that's cool.
I got, ahem, Doris Day. Que sera sera. Thanks THL, fun diversion! Work beckons me back now...
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 21, 2009 11:56 AM in response to Open Thread
If you happen to catch wind of which bachelor ends up here please send him my way. I personally don't know of any with taste this good.
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 20, 2009 1:08 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 55 Berry Street, #5D
hey Monty, yet another fascinating write-up. Thanks!
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 13, 2009 12:11 PM in response to Walkabout with Montrose: Historic Bedford, Brooklyn
Thanks George :) CarGar will you repost the list sometime? See you guys next week. Job beckons...
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 3:17 PM in response to Open Thread
Shoot I thought it the awards were for the thing at Union Hall next week. Is there a list? I missed submitting but want to see who won.
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 3:11 PM in response to Open Thread
WAIT! Did I lose already and the awards haven't even been given out?? I better win the ultimate PLUSA award for that.
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 3:06 PM in response to Open Thread
or finding the key to working the boy's best grip?
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 3:01 PM in response to Open Thread
You're being too modest Biff (also a very Clooney-like quality, I might add).
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 2:57 PM in response to Open Thread
excellent rewrite DIBS. I assume you're head screen writer? :) please take that and run with it people.
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Open Thread
YAY! I've always wanted to be a casting director! But I'm stunned that nobody suggested it already. You're off your game today people :) Thank goodness i stopped by.
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Open Thread
assuming we're discussing the movie version of the OT, Clooney is the obvious choice to play Biff! Apologies if someone suggested it already... can't read all 480 posts... crawling back under my rock now. If I think of any other gems I'll be sure to let you all know :)
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 2:40 PM in response to Open Thread
thanks for the info guys, see you next week for sure. CarGAr, definitely want to check out H Public and always love the Inn so I'll drop you a line to see if you're up for one or the other as soon as can!
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 1:14 PM in response to Open Thread
hey CarGar that sounds great, though being the aspiring PLUSA I am just realized tonight won't work so well b/c of an AM Dr's appt (announcing for all the world to know) that I should be *fit* for. I'd really love to check it out though so can we do another time? Is next week at Union Hall still in the works? Haven't seen youse guys in ages.
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 12:51 PM in response to Open Thread
hey guys, yeah it's been a while. Freakin' job :) I saw that about Henry Public opening. Looks like a respectable joint. hmmm tonight is possible... though I couldn't meet you there 'til later. What time were you thinking CarGar?
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 12:39 PM in response to Open Thread
hello all, a brief respite at work is allowing me to sheepishly check in to see if there are any boozey offerings in the works, (besides next week's award ceremony...). Margaritas, PBR, sangria, all welcome.
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 8, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Open Thread
hi guys, to whom do I respectfully submit my nominations for the Asshat Awards? There's no post with the list/email contact today! I think the deadline is tomorrow...
Posted by: herkimermaid at October 1, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Open Thread
Even if it's not exactly a glowing article at least it's not bad press about "scary" Bed-Stuy. Nice, in a way, that they're giving all this recent coverage to the neighborhood because there IS plenty of opportunity and demand here. Businesses are needed in all forms (and uh apparently those catering to the stay-at-home-mom crowd who seem to feel the need to travel to other 'hoods for kid-friendly amenities...), though I'd dispute that we're "starving" for them. If something opens near me that I want to patronize then great, but if it's doesn't I'll live. I didn't move to Bed-Stuy because I wanted amenities or even necessarily wanted it to change.
That said, most people would prefer to walk out their door than having to jump in the car or subway to get a decent breakfast. I think it's just a matter of time before people start figuring out just how much opportunity there is in Bed-Stuy. It took about quite a long time for DeKalb to come into its own, from the days of Cino's (RIP). And the Williamsburg section of Bedford Ave was still a bit of a wasteland a mere 15 years ago.
Anyway, I'm going to make an effort to patronize the new wine bar on Lewis even though it's a bit out the way because I respect and really admire that someone took such a big risk to realize a dream and make a contribution to the 'nabe. That's the kind of business that I hope will define the future of Bed-Stuy, meaning local entrepreneurs/people who are already somehow invested in the neighborhood.
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 28, 2009 3:45 PM in response to Bed-Stuy, a Harbor in the Tempest?
I have no idea why this post is drawing such acrimony. Just because someone lives in NYC near a restaurant doesn't mean they should be subject to unreasonable levels of noise at ANY time of the day, much less after midnight. That's absurd. There are laws about noise that should be respected for obvious reasons. That restaurant manager should receive a hearty slap for his attitude alone.
The only other suggestion I have besides Petebklyn's ideas is to connect with your local neighborhood/block association. Chances are excellent you're not the only one who is pissed off by this. You need to find those people and team up with them. Definitely attend the police precinct's monthly meeting.
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 28, 2009 12:49 PM in response to Noise Recourse?
snappy, I think I've been in this for longer than 6 mins! Unless... I've completely lost it and today is the first time I've ever posted here... the way things have been going that is entirely plausible.
and YES Bxgrl, it's VERY ODD that the same people keep winning the 500th post! This is rigged. Losers!
DIBS I think of it as Herki-mermaid but, like my real name, people kind of interpret freely... :)
until tomorrow PLUSAS!
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:45 PM in response to Open Thread
waaait a minute... first CH got it then it was Snappy. hm suspicious. I'm SURE I was 500!
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:30 PM in response to Open Thread
FUCK! I'm quiting this damn blog once and for all. see you losers tomorrow.
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:24 PM in response to Open Thread
come on 500!! Don't let me down now!!
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:20 PM in response to Open Thread
ah that's good, Oct 2. That leaves me with some time to listen to the various campaigns and accept bribes.
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:13 PM in response to Open Thread
damn I'll be back in a few.
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:08 PM in response to Open Thread
is there a deadline?
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Open Thread
is there an award for worst counter?
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:05 PM in response to Open Thread
500?
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 4:04 PM in response to Open Thread
Here's a replacement for the duplicate category: most roundly ignored!
Posted by: herkimermaid at September 22, 2009 10:33 AM in response to Open Thread
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Well according to the NYC report card PS 3 is doing better then PS 56. My son went to 56 and at the time (3 years ago) PS 56 was doing much better then PS and had been for several years.
Posted by: A CrownHeightsLady at November 17, 2009 11:54 AM in response to Monroe Street Safety & Schools
I live near Monroe and Franklin and use the C train. I haven't had a problem. One of my tenants was mugged by teenagers in front of our building at night last year however. The immediate area does seem to be improving, but I think when coming home late at night that taking a car is prudent.
Posted by: kutterkan at November 17, 2009 1:37 PM in response to Monroe Street Safety & Schools
Well I can say that Satellite East is a great JHS. My daughter attended the school. The school requires the students to wear uniforms. She loved the school. Another good school is PS 44 an elementary school located on Throop Avenue between Madison and Monroe.
Posted by: Shalacha at November 17, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Monroe Street Safety & Schools
There's a small article today in the NYPost about Bedford Academy being an A school with an over 95% graduation rate. It's actually the #2 brooklyn high school, right behind Brooklyn Tech. That's impressive.
Posted by: BedStuyGal at November 17, 2009 6:58 PM in response to Monroe Street Safety & Schools
herkimermaid wrote a review about Der Schwarze Kölner on November 19, 2009 3:07 PM
I was actually really looking forward to this place opening up, having lived in Berlin for 2 years. It seemed like such an excellent idea and amazing location. So, when a very good German friend (and former resident of the area) came to visit last month I took him there to check it out. We had barely one beer and high-tailed it outta there. God it was HORRIBLE. I felt like I was in a tourist trap. The atmosphere is more Smith St "theme bar" than anything authentically German. They were playing southern German folk music (and waaay too loud) and it was decorated in more of a Bavarian style than anything. The seats were super uncomfortable too. In short, a huge disappointment. Didn't try the food and found the service to be friendly, if uninformed.