northsloperenter's Profile
- 2007
- 2007
- Brooklyn
- Park Slope
- Rental
- Male
Author's Posts
November 10, 2009
used car dealers
Can anyone recommend a used car dealer in Brooklyn (or Manhattan) reasonably accessible via subway/bus?
I'll most likely buy a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla but might consider other reliable small cars.
Bay Ridge seems to have a fairly large concentration of dealerships. Anyone have any good experiences there?
I realize used car dealers (like rental brokers) have earned themselves a pretty awful reputation, so I'm not expecting much.
I've done the usual online searches, and either every car dealer in Brooklyn is the worst one on the planet, or only people who have bad experiences write online reviews of car dealers.
And after careful consideration of the forum categories, I've decided finding a minimally slimy used car dealer is a Quality of Life issue.
Thanks,
nsr
September 9, 2009
Movers and Short-Term Storage
I'm moving at the end of the month and may end up homeless for a couple of days (i.e., move out Sept. 30th, don't move in to new place til Oct. 2nd).
If I can avoid this nuisance I will, but if I can't, I was planning to get a mover who could pick up my stuff on the 29th or 30th, store it for a few days, then show up on the 3rd to deliver it.
I'll box 80-90% of the stuff myself and would like them to sort out the furniture and anything I didn't get boxed up in time.
I've done an overnight storage before with Oz, so I'm planning to give them a call.
Does anyone who has done this in the past have advice?
I'm more interested in having everything go smoothly than in getting the cheapest price.
Oh, and any hotel suggestions for a 2-3 night stay with a small kid in park slope or downtown brooklyn?
September 4, 2009
What is Chittering Out Back?
So, does anyone know what critter is chittering out in the backyard every night the last week or so?
It's not quite as loud as a cicada and has a different sound. It kinda sounds like a cheap toy machine gun firing 2-3 second bursts.
ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch
ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch
I'm assuming it is an insect of some kind as a disease squirrel would have died by now.
It sounds like it is up in a tree.
August 21, 2009
Heat/HW Costs in a Rental?
So, I'm looking for a big 2 or small 3 bedroom rental, and lately I've seen a few where tenant pays heat/hot water.
I've never paid heat/hot water in my life, and I really have no idea what these expenses can run.
Obviously there are a ton of variables depending on building, space, type of heat, usage, etc.
But can someone give me a ballpark figure for an ~1000 sq. ft. space.
$1200 per year?
$2400 per year?
$3600 per year?
$4800 per year?
Just trying to figure out if Apartment A includes heat and hot water and Apartment B does not include heat and hot water, how much more should I be willing to pay in rent for Apartment A if all other things are equal.
Thanks.
July 31, 2009
vacancies on president btwn 4/5
There seem to be a lot of rental vacancies on President btwn 4th and 5th.
At first I thought it was just 1 broker spamming craigslist for the same few apartments, but I've definitely seen listings for several different buildings.
Is something non-obvious going on there?
Walked by recently and it seemed pretty normal.
There are a couple larger buildings and some construction, a bar that looks like it should be in seaside heights, and I saw a decent sized rat running around, but nothing to drive away Brooklynites.
July 27, 2009
Cash Only for Sec Deposit?
So, I was reading an ad for an apt. for rent in the center of park slope. Seemed like something I might be interested in, and there is an upcoming open house.
Then I read this:
"If you're looking seriously and ready to commit, come equipped with proof of salary and employment, a copy of our credit check, and either enough cash or the ability to quickly get enough cash for a binder To rent you will need one month's rent and one month's security in cash."
Now, the first part of that is rather pushy, especially in this market, but it's tolerable.
But asking for 1 month rent and security deposit in cash seems loony to me.
What is the point of this?
What kind of legitimate landlord can't wait 3 business days for a check to clear?
And who, in this day and age, would rather do business with thousands of dollars in cash changing hands.
Oh, and it is at an advertised open house. Kinda like saying "OK, so, there are going to be a bunch of people walking around with thousands of dollars in their pocket at this time at this place. Muggers welcome."
Bizarre. I don't think I'll be going to the open house...
Author's Comments
I think this is exactly the kind of situation where a lawyer can really be worth the expense.
Even if you could do it without a lawyer, a lawyer will increase your chances of success and the chances that the tenants will be deemed liable for the damage.
With $24k damage already, I wouldn't screw around.
Find another lawyer if necessary, but make sure you find one who knows how to deal with this kind of stuff.
Good luck...
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 20, 2009 12:50 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
Are they getting rid of the fountain? If so, that's beyond dumb.
Getting the playground areas into some shade would be an improvement.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 20, 2009 10:55 AM in response to Plans for J.J. Byrne Park in the Slope Unveiled
lol. I'm looking forward to buying a car and fighting for spots in park slope.
No way I get involved in any twittering or texting over parking spaces though.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 19, 2009 11:49 AM in response to Thursday Links
R/M station at 9th street/4th ave was a mess this morning. I was wondering what was going on while thinking "sheesh, so many people on this platform this is kinda dangerous".
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 19, 2009 10:08 AM in response to Open Thread
Not happy news...
http://www.1010wins.com/Morning-Commute-Nightmare/5713928
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Police in Brooklyn are investigating an incident on the subway tracks that has left one person dead and a second in critical condition.
It happened at the 7th Avenue station at 9th Street and 7th Avenue in Park Slope about 7:45 a.m.
One person was pronounced death at the scene, officials said.
Both people apparently were struck by a Northbound 'F' train.
Stay tuned to 1010 WINS for more information as it becomes available.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 19, 2009 10:06 AM in response to Open Thread
LilBit -- I'm neither particularly against nor particularly supportive of the mortgage interest deduction.
It does not transfer financial risk from individuals to the government (which generally encourages bad decision making and defeats the benefits of a free market system).
Ideally, I would think in any sensible tax code deductions of this type would be avoided, but I don't think any of us will live long enough to see a sensible tax code, so, whatever...
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 2:44 PM in response to A Few More Sales Trickle In at BellTel
fsrg -- Stuy Town was not low income housing and was fairly selective (i.e., discriminatory) about who they let move in there. Before they became profit focused police officers, teachers, and fire fighters got preferential treatment (as long as they were white, that is).
It's certainly not the architecture that's a problem, and it's not the density alone.
I'm not saying you don't get crime in low density areas. You certainly do. But the high density/low income "projects" were a government creation which has not gone according to plan, to say the least.
dittoburg -- If the peer group grew up in the neighborhood then the values developed in the neighborhood. That doesn't mean 100% of the residents in the neighborhood supported or contributed to this development, but it happened nonetheless.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 2:35 PM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill
fsrg -- agreed.
Government could also refrain from building any more high population density low income housing and take steps to eliminate it where it exists... but that will take a while.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 1:14 PM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill
Even if playing games "signals" something (which I doubt), that does not make the games the "cause".
You don't get sick because you sneeze. You sneeze because you are sick.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 12:42 PM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill
"Thats a bit of a sweeping statement. "
Is that a criticism or a musing?
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 12:22 PM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill
ditto -- my concerns have nothing to do with default rates, but rather with (1) who is taking the risk, (2) who is really benefiting, and (3) what are the unintended consequences.
And think the answers are:
1. The taxpayer.
2. The mortgage lenders and the sellers.
3. Housing prices are inflated higher than they would be without government involvement resulting in all home buyers paying more for their homes.
I think there will be some really bad news coming out about FHA loans in the next few years. They have been an increasingly big part of the mortgage market, which is not good at all and, whether intentional or not, means they are propping up home prices.
I may be wrong. We shall see.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 12:20 PM in response to A Few More Sales Trickle In at BellTel
gemini -- I was agreeing with you up to "video games plain and simple."
The fault lies primarily with their families and the values prized in their neighborhoods.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 12:01 PM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill
What this block really needs is a good used book store.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 11:59 AM in response to Coming to Bergen: Mid-Century Furniture Dealer
"unless your income falls, you are no less able to pay your mortgage in 5 years time than now whethr you pay 3.5% or 20%."
Not true. If your income does not increase at least at the pace of your expenses (inflation + tax increases + health care costs + necessary family expenses for children/parent/siblings who need support), you will become increasingly less able to pay your mortgage.
With 3.5% down it will take several years to build any real equity in the property, so if you fall on hard times, it will be nearly impossible to sell the place and walk away with any money in your pocket.
Buying a property when you can only afford 3.5% down is a high risk move.
Can it work out? Sure. Will it work out as well as the exact same person buying the exact same property with 20% down? No.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 11:57 AM in response to A Few More Sales Trickle In at BellTel
"Why would you need your income to go up Northslope? - your mortgage payment isn't going to jump up. "
Because if you cannot afford more than a 3.5% down payment chances are you are not really making enough money (or are not managing the money you make wisely enough) to buy the property.
Now, if someone wants to take this risk and a bank wants to let them take this risk, then -- fine, whatever, I don't care. But when the government (aka taxpayers) have to take the risk, then I care. *I* don't really want to loan people money so they can buy property with 3.5% down.
Also, if you do some calculations on a mortgage calculator, you'll find out that the person putting 3.5% down will pay substantially more for the property (thanks to interest charges) than the person putting 20% down -- unless the person putting 3.5% down is planning to make larger mortgage payments in the future.
The primary beneficiaries of this program are (1) lending institutions and (2) sellers.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 11:40 AM in response to A Few More Sales Trickle In at BellTel
ditto -- I think 3.5% downpayment is a big mistake for anyone who does not realistically expect their income level to rise dramatically over the term of the mortgage.
Whatever its original intention, the result of the program is that it drives up real estate prices (thus defeating its own purpose) and increases the percentage of people who can't or won't save for a down payment who have mortgages and let's the taxpayers taken the downside when they default.
I wouldn't mind so much if the amount of the loans were capped to something below average home costs (e.g., if you need government assistance to buy a home, you don't get to live in one of the more expensive parts of the world).
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 10:26 AM in response to A Few More Sales Trickle In at BellTel
"three of the four buyers took advantage of FHA loans"
Nice to see my tax dollars at work keeping me priced out of home ownership.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 10:09 AM in response to A Few More Sales Trickle In at BellTel
tybur -- don't you think you ought to shoot their parents too?
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 18, 2009 10:06 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill
northsloperenter wrote a review about Mr. Wonton on November 18, 2009 9:50 AM
Definitely above average Chinese take out food, good price for the quality and quantity of food, and they have good service (quick delivery, good phone manners, and they get the order right).
I first ordered from them in 2007 and have not called a different Chinese delivery place since.
northsloperenter wrote a review about Cousin John's Café & Bakery on November 13, 2009 12:37 PM
I've only gotten baked goods here, but they've all be great. Got an excellent chocolate cake for my son's birthday.
"If and when all these rentals fill up we will be comparing Dobro to Murray Hill."
I don't see that happening. Murray Hill has much more charm.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 13, 2009 11:15 AM in response to Brooklyn Gold Joins the Downtown Rental Party
"Downtown Brooklyn is going to be the new place where all the post-grads go to get a cheap apartment after graduating. "
Nothing preserves the value of a building better than a bunch of 1 year leases to 23 year olds cramming 2-3 people into 1 bedroom apartments.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 13, 2009 10:01 AM in response to Brooklyn Gold Joins the Downtown Rental Party
Most leases only renew if both parties agree to renew.
The owner doesn't really have to give a reason. Could want to sell. Could want to move in. Could want to let a relative live there. Could secretly hate you. If she doesn't want to talk about it, she doesn't have to (and, if she isn't interested in changing her mind, that could be a good reason for not wanting to talk about it).
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 1:45 PM in response to Condo Owner Kicking Out
dave -- Darwin Awards are for people who get themselves killed doing something stupid. I suppose if you want to count "being a teenager in NYC" as something stupid, you can.
Your firearms will stop the first 2 or 3 (assuming you are a alert at the precise moment you need to be). After that, you might have trouble.
But, anyway, I can see we would all rather joke about wings.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 10:19 AM in response to Thursday Links
"What is a reasonable amount to pay someone to return it for me?"
$150 or 80% of the item's value, whichever is less.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 10:09 AM in response to Open Thread
Oh, and if you want to follow a darwinian path, I'm pretty sure it ends up with the masses rising up and killing the property owners (or at least seizing their property and sending them off to re-education camps somewhere).
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 10:08 AM in response to Thursday Links
"You're not going to like me for this but oftentimes these sort of things fit well with Darwin's Laws."
dave -- your understanding of dawrin's laws are pretty bad if you think this.
Check out population growth rates in the communities you are thinking about and then compare them to population growth rates in other communities that you think are on the other end of your 'darwin' spectrum.
The analogy fails.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 10:06 AM in response to Thursday Links
"That discussion invariably leads to unfounded charges of racism and actual racism, so polite company avoids it like the plague."
Yes, I suppose that's it.
I wonder how responsible that is for the intractability of some of the problems faced by poor, non-white, inner city populations. If you can't even talk about it honestly, you can't do much to fix it.
Reminds me sadly of how the radical israelis and palestinians have so successfully prevented any sane solution to their problems.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 10:03 AM in response to Thursday Links
"personally i don't give a chicken's ass if stupid teenagers kill each other."
rob -- I believe you.
nsr
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 9:58 AM in response to Thursday Links
dave -- congress doesn't pass healthcare reform, they should all be thrown out.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 9:55 AM in response to Open Thread
So, is all the focus on the chicken wings (official and blogish) because people just don't want to think about teenagers trying to kill each other on a pleasant November afternoon?
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 12, 2009 9:39 AM in response to Thursday Links
dave -- you aren't making sense. Do you really want to hand out life sentences to 16 year olds for carrying hand guns?
The laws are plenty tough, but the people breaking the laws either think they will not get caught or they just simply don't care. You can do something about the former if enforcement picks up, but there isn't much you can do about the latter through the legal system (except for the aforementioned life sentence, I guess).
I was a jury once for a very depressing case when I lived in Manhattan. A 21 year old and 2 minors robbed a delivery guy. They got his cell phone and about $50.
The 21 year old had a prior conviction and he was accused of using a gun during the robbery.
We found him guilty. I don't know what the sentence was, but I'm sure he got multiple years -- for $50 and a cell phone -- because he used a gun.
If the laws were 10x as strict, I don't think it would have mattered to him.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 4:25 PM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
donatella -- the conflicts did not occur in the mall or at the restaurant, so blaming mall/restaurant security sounds strange to me.
What to do? I don't know. A large, impromptu gathering of teenagers is not something that is easy to plan for.
The real problem is the number of people who think whatever it is that they are upset about is worth seriously injuring or killing someone over and risking lengthy jail time.
This level of unconcern for the lives of others or one's own future is something that takes years and years to grind into people's psyche and then is nearly impossible to remove.
Certainly you won't be able to get it out of 15-17 year olds psyche very easily.
Gun control and more police on the street is an immediate step, but longer term solutions would need to see an end to large scale concentrations of poor, hopeless people. I don't really know how you do that.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 3:34 PM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
"The story is about lack of security in the Atlantic Center - private and public."
I think the story is about teenagers shooting and stabbing each other.
Not exactly sure what an Atlantic Center security guard could do to prevent a shooting on fulton street.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 2:05 PM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
"What's Bw3's responsibility in all this?"
Are you serious? They are a restaurant. They had a sale. It attracted a lot of customers.
There do not seem to be any reports of problems inside the restaurant.
I can't see that they have any responsibility.
If the city asks them to suspend the promotion, then that is a different situation (e.g., if they do not comply and there are further problems).
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 1:31 PM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
northsloperenter wrote a review about Miracle Grill on November 11, 2009 1:21 PM
The Manhattan location closed a few years ago. This one was still open last week as far as I know.
"Was PS empty of strollers yesterday?"
All the usual Maclaren strollers were at daycare yesterday, including my son's.
If you ever want to get depressed, spend some time going over child safety statistics and product recalls.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Open Thread
northsloperenter wrote a review about Miracle Grill on November 11, 2009 12:32 PM
I was a big fan of the Manhattan location (although I once nearly starved to death waiting for a table). I've been here for brunch a few times and had good experiences.
"Lots of closet racists coming out today in full force"
In rob's defense I'm pretty sure he is more idiot than racist.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 12:03 PM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
"However, yes, I do think that parents should be held responsible for minor children breaking the law. Maybe if a neighbor is carted off to jail, will some families start to question their child's whereabouts."
So...
A 45 year old single mother with a 16 year old son who says he is going over to a friend's house to work on a school project.
Kid ends up going out with his friend and they get in some trouble.
Mother gets thrown in jail and, what? The kid becomes homeless? Goes in to foster care?
Brilliant...
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 11:48 AM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
Regarding the subway searches v. street searches, I agree there is a clear legal difference between the two, but I see no real moral difference.
Theoretically one can avoid the subway searches (by not riding the subway) while one cannot avoid the street searches, but, in reality, if you have to get to work, you have to get on the train, and you really can't avoid it.
"there would be no way on this planet that I would allow a cop to touch without cause."
You realize, of course, that this is a dangerous and stupid attitude. For you.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 11:24 AM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
"I wonder how many white folks on this forum have been stopped and frisked while walking down the street?"
Happened to me once when I was about 16. Can't say I liked the experience.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 9:47 AM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
"What gives the police the right to stop and search somebody?"
The law?
I've had my bag searched on the subway about dozen times. It goes on every day at the bigger subway stops.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 11, 2009 9:33 AM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
denton,
Mark Twain is a national treasure.
nsr
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 10, 2009 7:50 PM in response to Brinks - Beware!
bao -- that sounds much more serious than your first post.
Leaking ceiling, black mold, and nest of rats extending over a 2 month period is not cool.
I'd get some real legal advice and find out what you options are. If you think the landlord is making a reasonable good faith effort, I'd give him one more chance to fix things with a formal notification that the problem must be resolved by such-and-such a date.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 10, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Lease Termination Notice
dave -- I'd suggest getting the carcass out of the ceiling when it starts to smell, but that's just me.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 10, 2009 3:24 PM in response to Lease Termination Notice
What kind of creature? Squirrel? Mouse? Feral rat?
Feed it something unpleasant.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 10, 2009 3:18 PM in response to Lease Termination Notice
That's not 1000 sq. ft. and the maintenance is brutal.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 10, 2009 12:59 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 96 Schermerhorn Street, PH-L
That does not sound fun at all. Sorry to hear that.
Mark Twain shares your opinion of the value of burglar alarms. Chances are you aren't in the mood for this right now, but some day, give McWilliamses and The Burglar Alarm a read. It may be cathartic.
http://www.readbookonline.net/readOnLine/359/
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 10, 2009 12:44 PM in response to Brinks - Beware!
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Vinca thanks they also are not granting access I have their keys can I just walk in and fix itr and the radiators which need to be fixed so they get heat. I am not being a meany I just want to fix things so my renovation does not get destroyed.
Posted by: meme at November 20, 2009 2:00 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
You always have emergency access, and this surely qualifies as one.
Posted by: cmu at November 20, 2009 2:07 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
No, you cannot just enter their apartment unless it's an emergency. You have to give notice, and the notice has to meet exacting standards and language. All of these details will be even more important if you begin legal proceedings. The best place to start is by visiting the help desk before taking action so you begin to understand what is required, and what is permitted. If you decide to proceed with an eviction, hire an attorney from a law firm that represents landlords exclusively. That attorney might cost you more on an hourly basis, but will save you much time, money and headaches in the long-run. Start by informing yourself and by visiting the help desk.
Posted by: vinca at November 20, 2009 2:13 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
It is virtually impossible to evict, or even take action against Rent Control.
As others have mentioned, get a lawyer familiar with RC lanlord/tenant issues.
The short answer, they can do what they want, you have no recourse. The long answer is it's a long complicated process and a competent/qualified/experienced lawyer is worth every penny.
Posted by: christopher at November 20, 2009 3:13 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
Also take pictures of anything affected by their doings & keep a diary of your interactions & send communications via registered mail & keep copies.
Posted by: Arkady at November 20, 2009 4:07 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
Let this be a lesson to any of you out there who are thinking of buying a buiding with RC tenants.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 20, 2009 4:43 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
Daveinbedsty and all
Thanks for your info.This is not the first building we've bought with RC tenants. But this our first in Brooklyn with a non stabilized building..... we understood the perils of RC but this is obscene amount of damage even the old man who put his boots to warm in the microwave (with metal toes and insoles)did not cause that much harm. If i can prevent them from putting up another Garden hose shower and making it known that this is 24K worth of damaged they cost us. A friend suggested taking them to small claims. This way it would be the incident not rent control laws. There is a question about their lease. She may have been living ells were before her mother died. Does that change things?
Posted by: meme at November 20, 2009 5:43 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
Regarding your last post.I was wondering how old these people were.
You cannot inherit a RC apartment.
Posted by: modsquad at November 20, 2009 5:51 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
I believe the daughter had to be in residence 2 years to keep the apartment. Again, you really should speak to a lwyer to go down to housing court and get information. There are circumstances under which an rc/rs tenant can be evicted and possibly endangerment is one of them. And you do have the right to gain access to an apartment to do repairs. That should be in the lease form as well.
Posted by: bxgrl at November 20, 2009 6:12 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
"A family member would succeed to the rights of the tenant of record upon the tenant’s permanent departure or death, provided the family member lived with such a primary resident not less than two years"
http://www.housingnyc.com/html/resources/attygenguide.html#8
Posted by: modsquad at November 20, 2009 6:18 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
"are they planning to close the park during this renovation? Because that would be a real bummer."
Agreed. I imagine they will close off the sections that are being worked on and leave the others open. The park is big enough to allow that and used heavily enough to justify the effort.
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 20, 2009 3:00 PM in response to Plans for J.J. Byrne Park in the Slope Unveiled