lisa's Profile
- Lisa
- 1993
- 2005
- Brooklyn
- Park Slope
- Rental
- writer
- Female
- http://www.lisaselindavis.com
Author's Posts
November 21, 2008
Development Watch: SWO at Future Fairfield Inn
Tough times abound in the hotel biz, and this Gowanus site, where someday the Fairfield Inn is supposed to rise, is no different. According to the DOB, a partial stop work order exists on the property, due to a "hazardous condition observed at job site." Still, other permits have been issued as recently as September for the nine-story, 134-unit building that will replace this one story fella here someday. The design firm is GF55, also at work on Public Place.
Plan for 3rd Ave Hotel Brings Gowanus Total to 7 [Brownstoner] GMAP
Some New Action on Gowanus' Hotel Row [Brownstoner]
Streetlevel: Prime Meats in the Slope
We noticed last week that A&S Pork Store, that relocated from further down Fifth Avenue earlier this year, had gotten a new name along with its new location. It is now M&S Prime Meats (what happened to A?), and looks soon-to-open at 312 5th Avenue, near Third Street. Gowanus Lounge has this, too. GMAP
Playa Now Open For Business
Fits and starts in the Fifth Avenue restaurant scene. It turns out Baluchi's is not quite open for business, Gowanus Lounge reports, but the folks at Playa (Web site not yet live; try on Monday) did indeed fire up the grill last night. The owners, also responsible for Barrio and the newly open Cabana Bar, sent us these photos. If you go, please report back.
Bird Blog: Week 22
Every other week, Jennifer Mankins, owner of the Bird boutiques, tells us about the new 2,500-square-foot store on Grand Street in Williamsburg that she's getting ready to open. Up this week: Down to the wire, with only two weeks left before she goes live.
Two weeks and counting until I open the Grand Street side of the store for the holiday pop-up shop. I have ordered 7000 postcards announcing the December opening, I am set to install the holiday decorations by the artist Tamar Mogendorff after Thanksgiving and my retail computers are scheduled to be installed on December 1st. There is so much left to do, but Bill has about 4 different crews working round the clock to close up the front, so it may just happen.
The wood: Finally the reclaimed, milled pinewood planks have been delivered and are being installed on the walls. I love the sappy warm color, the grain pattern and mostly, the fresh pine smell. The whole store smells like Christmas. The planks were milled from industrial beams that were salvaged from a warehouse here in Brooklyn dating back to the turn of the century.
Exterior Grand Street: The storefront glass is installed. All of the sidewalk metal has been painted and the sidewalk glass panels sandblasted and installed as well as the tile on the bottom of the storefront. I had no idea the sandblasted glass would match the tile so well. I love it. All of the electrical wires for the door and the alarm system and cameras have been pulled. The last major thing we’re waiting for is the new door. It was delivered last night and they’re installing it tomorrow.
Christmas Decor for Good Causes
We noted a couple of weeks ago that Christmas decorations had already made their way to the streets of Brooklyn. Well, now those ornaments and lights are attached to a cause. The annual Atlantic Avenue Holiday Window Design Competition is now under way, and this year's theme is very Miss America: world peace. What does that mean? Twist your tiny white lights into peace symbols? Make Barack Obama's face out of tinsel? Here's what the folks at the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation have to say: "Competitors must have their window designs installed by 6 p.m. on December 3, 2008 when the panel of judges will walk along the avenue to view and judge individual store windows based on the following criteria: original creative concept; use of materials; display technique; merchandising acumen; execution on a holiday theme and eye catching appeal for pedestrians." Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 6:00 p.m., at Belarusian Church, corner of Atlantic Avenue and Bond Street. Councilmember David Yassky will attend, as always, and local school kids will perform Christmas carols. Please, if you see any good windows, snap a photo and send them in. Some photos from last year here.
Photo by michellekarshan.
Yes, Virginia, There Are Parrots in South Slope
Earlier this week, a reader uninitiated into the mystery of the green birds that proliferate South Brooklyn, posted a question about them on the forum. Well, now photographer Mihai Badulescu has snapped some proof: here they are hanging out on 11th Street in the Slope. For more info, you can always check Brooklyn Parrots.
Garden of the Day: Contained in the Slope
Got a garden space you want to share? Send us a note. And now, architect Ryan Enschede, responsible for the innovative restoration of this Kensington interior, has been having some fun atop his own roof.
When my wife and I began looking for a larger apartment a few years ago, we were lucky enough to find a space with a generous rooftop terrace. Although I had never shared my family’s gardening enthusiasm (I was the urban dweller) suddenly I was caring for a few inherited potted plants. The next year I decided to grow a few vegetables… and this year I grew a productive vegetable garden in containers. Looking ahead I hope to do more with our space along the same lines. We love to cook, and having fresh vegetables again, right from our own roof, is truly a joy. Because we are on the roof, all the plants are growing in an assortment of purchased and found containers using store-bought potting soil, augmented with fertilizer and compost and watered from a hose. Our space’s greatest asset is having all the sun we could want, but the wind can be intense and breaks and tips the plants. We have been working out the kinks of rooftop composting, and my long term goal is to develop as close to a closed loop as possible, utilizing collected rainwater and composted food scraps. I also hope to work out a watering system that requires less attention from me than the hose.
In looking around I continue to be amazed at how completely ignored the wonderful rooftop spaces of NYC are – they must be the city’s single greatest underutilized asset. I think there is great potential for these spaces, both for welcome relief from the pressure of the city as well as for growing quality food right where it will be eaten, and I hope this idea will continue to take off.
Click through for links to past Gardens of the Day posts.
Continue reading "Garden of the Day: Contained in the Slope"
Babs Corcoran "Not Worried About Real Estate Prices"
She's not worried at all, in fact. That's what she told AMNY in an interview. Also, her advice: buy now. "Real estate will be more expensive once again, and everyone will look back and say, ‘Why didn’t I buy then?’ Because the truth of the matter is these are the good ol’ days everybody dreams about."
Stoop Drinking Still Illegal
Hey, this is a familiar story. Guy drinks beer on stoop. Guy gets ticket. And this guy goes to court. The Daily News reports that Prospect Heights resident Kimber VanRy will be in Brooklyn Criminal Court next month to contest the $25 ticket for sipping a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale on the un-gated stoop of his Sterling Street condo. "VanRy said that as one of the cops played a video game on a cell phone, the other wrote him a $25 summons for drinking on the stoop — and allegedly told him not to worry because the ticket would likely be dismissed." He pleaded not guilty to the ticket and got it reduced to $15, but it ain't about the money. Drinking in public is illegal, as we know, but most folks don't think a stoop fits the city's definition of "public" as a place where "public or a substantial group of persons has access, including, but not limited to 'a sidewalk or a street.'" Is this an issue the council should take up?
Prospect Heights Man Cited For Drinking Beer on Stoop [NY Daily News]
Photo by yadroff.
Not Enough Cash for the HOD
That whole re-open and remodel the Brooklyn House of Detention thing? Not so much. Turns out the plan costs $430 million, and considering we don't have enough money for, you know, subways and schools, the jail is now looking like a less than top priority project. Politicians and the DOC agree. "The Department of Corrections has decided to pause, put the spending for this project on hold and sit down and talk with the community," David Yassky told the NY Daily News. So far, 31 inmates have been moved there, "as part of a work crew to start fixing up the 749-unit jail," which prompted Yassky and others to file a lawsuit, so maybe the budget's not the only reason for the halt. The lawsuit alleged that the jail was reopened without an environmental review, and thus illegally. For now, they can house up to 50 prisoners while the situation is sorted out. The expansion is halted until December 8, when opponents will talk again.
Budget Crisis Halts HOD Expansion Plans [NY Daily News]
Author's Comments
Thanks, Slices. The folks we spoke to at CPEX said it went through to Pacific. We'll double check and make sure.
Posted by: lisa at November 20, 2008 2:51 PM in response to Development Watch: 240 Atlantic Avenue Rising
Go to the meeting and tell them to call it the Kensington rezoning!
Posted by: lisa at November 19, 2008 11:53 AM in response to The Rezoning of Windsor Terrace
well, you'd be wrong to take it that way, cause it ain't him!
Posted by: lisa at November 18, 2008 3:22 PM in response to LPC Approves Underground Garage at Riverside Apartments
you're right--last part should have been edited out. my apologies.
Posted by: lisa at November 18, 2008 3:10 PM in response to LPC Approves Underground Garage at Riverside Apartments
ok, pete. we'll keep this in mind in the future. thanks for your diligence!
Posted by: lisa at November 18, 2008 10:46 AM in response to Newest Residents of Desirable Nabes Have Tails
But DIBS is an Obama republican!
Posted by: lisa at November 18, 2008 10:45 AM in response to Union-Free One Hanson Place: the Web Site
Dave, it says right there that they don't have what they deem affordable health care for their families; they say it's a raw deal compared to union workers (any union workers out there, please weigh in!). Many of us, it's true, pay a lot more than they will have to.
Posted by: lisa at November 18, 2008 10:27 AM in response to Union-Free One Hanson Place: the Web Site
You're lucky, cobblehiller. Mr. B made the rat smaller. Pete, how is more crime in South Brooklyn and less in North Brooklyn different from what we have here?
Posted by: lisa at November 18, 2008 10:17 AM in response to Newest Residents of Desirable Nabes Have Tails
Thanks, Action Jackson. We did call. Response will be posted momentarily.
Posted by: lisa at November 17, 2008 12:31 PM in response to Don't Blame the DOB: It's Architects, Not Archetects
you're right, pete--some reports say crime is down. others say crime was up in south brooklyn. http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/10/north_brooklyn_1.php. several articles described the administration's attitude/actions as a reversal. hope that helps.
Posted by: lisa at November 17, 2008 11:23 AM in response to HOD Re-Opens for Business
Thanks for the typo alert! Readers perhaps more alert than bloggers...
Posted by: lisa at November 17, 2008 9:37 AM in response to Park Slope Can't Measure Up to Marine Park
that does seem to be the case. balcony-ettes.
Posted by: lisa at November 14, 2008 10:12 AM in response to 375 and 377 Baltic All Filled Up
benson, per pmfa: they met in the Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope.
Posted by: lisa at November 13, 2008 10:33 AM in response to CB6 Says Full-on Yes to Toll Brothers Rezoning
we do love our commenters, even grumps. keep 'em coming.
Posted by: lisa at November 12, 2008 4:46 PM in response to Streetlevel: Center of Light on Smith
Biff, I'm glad you asked for my views on comments. I would like it if you were all really nice to each other, never said anything unkind about me (or anything at all), gently corrected me when I was wrong, sent a thousand fantastic tips and story ideas every day and had long, worthwhile discussions with one another. Or, you know, 50 posts that have nothing whatsoever to do with the story--that'll do, too. Also, I'd like Dr. Wayne Dyer to tell me how to attract anything I want in 30 days. Oh, that last thing is actually possible!
Posted by: lisa at November 12, 2008 4:22 PM in response to Streetlevel: Center of Light on Smith
oh my lordy. you guys gonna make a blogger blush. fyi, i have the power to delete comments if they concern my undergarments. or my sweat.
Posted by: lisa at November 12, 2008 3:45 PM in response to Streetlevel: Center of Light on Smith
And the lord sayeth: "Erecteth thou a brick building on Smith street, that it might sport offices for those dedicated to my teachings. Also, giveth it big windows on one side, and little tiny ones on the other."
I nominate this for second QOTD.
Posted by: lisa at November 12, 2008 3:36 PM in response to Streetlevel: Center of Light on Smith
can't be freudian slip if i didn't know what it meant, fellas. on the other hand, i have been educated and will no longer refer to erect buildings as sporting--especially those with devout spiritual businesses inside them.
Posted by: lisa at November 12, 2008 2:51 PM in response to Streetlevel: Center of Light on Smith
i don't see what's so risque about "sporting"... but maybe i've been shacked up too long. dave, thanks for not revealing all those incredibly juicy details. phew.
Posted by: lisa at November 12, 2008 2:24 PM in response to Streetlevel: Center of Light on Smith
custserv@whiteflowerfarm.com
Dear Gardening Friend:
Thank you for sending White Flower Farm a photograph of a plant for identification. The plant is a Mandevilla, a tropical plant usually grown in containers in cold areas.
We hope this information is helpful. Thank you for thinking of White Flower Farm.
Posted by: lisa at November 12, 2008 9:28 AM in response to Closing Bell: Late Bloomers
don't blame it on Mr. B. I'm still new-ish here. I do appreciate your schooling me, DIBS.
Posted by: lisa at November 7, 2008 5:39 PM in response to Development Watch: 277 19th Street
My mother the gardener says it's Pandora's Vine. I'm still not convinced.
Posted by: lisa at November 7, 2008 9:23 AM in response to Closing Bell: Late Bloomers
Hey, Shoots and Leaves--if you get a chance, send us a photo of the day care center. Thanks.
Posted by: lisa at November 6, 2008 3:33 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Café on Smith Street
Thanks for the correction, prodigal son.
Posted by: lisa at November 5, 2008 9:47 AM in response to Fourth Avenue: Gentrification or Ghettoization?
I was at John Jay by 6:20 (so as to get back in time for Brownstoner-ing). We waited an hour, and it must be worse now. Anybody hear reports from other lands? Red states? Purple states? Let us know.
Posted by: lisa at November 4, 2008 9:43 AM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere
Patience, troll. A reblog of that article is on its way.
Posted by: lisa at November 3, 2008 8:58 AM in response to Monday Links
we'd love a photo if anyone goes by there...
Posted by: lisa at October 30, 2008 1:47 PM in response to TOH House Revealed
i have this little problem where sometimes i forget how to read. 400 it is.
Posted by: lisa at October 30, 2008 12:42 PM in response to TOH House Revealed
DIBS, you got my vote.
Posted by: lisa at October 30, 2008 11:17 AM in response to One Hanson Place Goes Non-Union
I admit I fell for the marketing. True, no fumes, and didn't seem to need primer. Got a high-gloss for the kitchen which was like painting with mud, but the matte (their fancy word for flat finish) worked great. Nice colors, too, but seriously pricey.
Posted by: lisa at October 29, 2008 10:00 AM in response to Aura paint
sorry, carol, it came to us as a press release. they might not have it on the apartments.com site. Maybe it will show up here later today: http://www.apartments.com/PressRoom/pressroom08.htm
Posted by: lisa at October 28, 2008 12:20 PM in response to Renters Love Obama
okay, here's another image. now you guys can talk about the story instead of the photos from Flickr.
Posted by: lisa at October 28, 2008 9:19 AM in response to Mortgages More Elusive for Some Minorities
Having just attended Fifth Avenue Committee's demystifying zoning workshop (which I highly recommend), I understand at least one aspect of the opposition: rezoning for residential, which yields much more profit for landlords, endangers manufacturing. Seems like a big concern to weigh.
Posted by: lisa at October 24, 2008 10:19 AM in response to CB6 Okays Toll Brothers' Spot Rezoning
will you send us a photo, spnder?
Posted by: lisa at October 21, 2008 12:26 PM in response to Greenpoint riverfront property mystery
i think you will never forgive me for mixing up bensonhurst with bay ridge, bayridgegirl.
Posted by: lisa at October 20, 2008 10:33 AM in response to North Brooklyn Safer Than South Brooklyn?
the siding is really more of a burnt orange, with red trim--blame my camera
Posted by: lisa at October 17, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Brooklyn's Own Tiny House Movement
more promoting my own resume (sorry), but, yeah, here's a story on the bungalows at rockaway from a few years back:
http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/2005/story-of-the-week/crowded-houses.html
Posted by: lisa at October 17, 2008 12:13 PM in response to Brooklyn's Own Tiny House Movement
i wrote about this house in the south slope a couple of years ago--it's great-looking, and the next door neighbor's built a replica of it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/06/garden/06brooklyn.html
Posted by: lisa at October 16, 2008 3:03 PM in response to Front Page Forum: Modern in Carroll Gardens
great name for a rapper. i think you regulars should form a band called The Asshats and put out your first album called "The What."
Posted by: lisa at October 14, 2008 2:16 PM in response to Brownstoner Book Club Reads In the Country of Brooklyn
hey, i disagree: can you send us a photo of the chess shop? maybe we can do a post about it? thanks.
Posted by: lisa at October 14, 2008 11:39 AM in response to Brooklyn Solves Retail Puzzle
you're right--what we mean is: we wish them the best and we hope they do really well!
Posted by: lisa at October 7, 2008 2:12 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Boutique in South Slope
hey wasder. if you want to send me the photos i can put them up on the main blog. lisa at brownstoner dot com.
Posted by: lisa at October 6, 2008 11:34 AM in response to The great experiment 2008
Actually, I think we could use a fabric store. I miss Sew Brooklyn.
Posted by: lisa at October 1, 2008 3:10 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Realty Office on 7th Avenue?
you're right--thanks for the correction.
Posted by: lisa at September 26, 2008 3:24 PM in response to Streetlevel: Bakery in Bed Stuy Crown Heights
oops, you're right. mailer it is.
Posted by: lisa at September 24, 2008 10:08 AM in response to New Bed-Stuy More Like Old Bed-Stuy?
link should be working now...
Posted by: lisa at September 18, 2008 5:32 PM in response to Thursday Blogwrap
that's the photographer's name for the photo.
Posted by: lisa at August 27, 2008 8:09 AM in response to Tuesday Blogwrap
good idea. done.
Posted by: lisa at August 21, 2008 9:09 AM in response to Thursday Links
can you send us a picture of it? we'll get some info for you.
Posted by: lisa at August 18, 2008 1:15 PM in response to 129 Congress Street
here are links to some other crown heights photos--i chose the above one because I thought it was a lovely photograph, but i completely understand the objections. will think about this in the future.
http://flickr.com/photos/ilaria_papini/365472002/
http://flickr.com/photos/42369197@N00/2358845897/
http://flickr.com/photos/nrvlowdown/2068714281/
http://flickr.com/photos/nrvlowdown/2068715289/
Posted by: lisa at August 15, 2008 10:46 AM in response to What’s it Like in Crown Heights?
ok, ok, south slope. i'll change it!
Posted by: lisa at November 21, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Yes, Virginia, There Are Parrots in South Slope