roofrights's Profile
Author's Comments
They are called dollar vans because they actually were a dollar to ride. But that was back in the 80s. Ah, brings back memories. I haven't ridden one in years. They were always slightly cheaper than the bus. Anyone know how much they cost now?
Posted by: roofrights at July 13, 2009 2:09 PM in response to 'Sup with those black van taxis?
This switcheroo seems to be common. Why isn't anyone on it? Or is it more convenient not to be? I have a friend now who can't get a coo (is that the right phrasing) because her condo (which was built initially as housing for rabbinical students as dorms) was then turned into condos and sold. I am not sure of the particulars, only that they have been in a lawsuit for ages and none of the owners knew what the buildings were originally supposed to be built for (and apparently, by calling it a dorm, these building are held to different zoning standards.)and now no one call sell, or refinance. Weird that developers get to side step regulations and seemingly don't have to pay any price....
Posted by: roofrights at June 15, 2009 11:34 AM in response to Another New Build-Turned-Shelter Upsetting Residents
as my niece would say, that canal looks mad nasty, yo.
Posted by: roofrights at June 10, 2009 2:04 PM in response to Gowanus Gunk
...just had to respond to miss priss on this one. Just because a white woman is married to a person of color, doesn't mean she isn't afraid of other people of color. I have a lot of white friends who are dating black men or whatever...they may not be afraid of their man, but that doesn't mean they aren't afraid.
I see it all the time.
Posted by: roofrights at May 8, 2009 12:48 PM in response to Rosie Revisited
ENY, you've made some good points. Change can be good, but displacement in your own home feels awful. I am thankful for the handful of establishments in FG where I am seen as a "regular" and not as a tourist. I avoid the places that make me feel like an outsider or that are starting to feel like a tourist trap (think Habana Outpost and Madiba). I dodge the stollers and don't buy from the stoop sales/flea markets that think they are high priced consignment shops. Just this weekend, I went on to Clinton Ave (after visiting the Flea) and bought some fried chicken and ribs from the Coop who were having their own "stoop sale". It's a delicate balance between old and new. . .
Posted by: roofrights at May 4, 2009 3:32 PM in response to Rosie and Nelson Redux
I don't think Gross was trying to incite hate. I thought the same thing too. Looking at this article reminded me about the Nelson George piece a couple of weeks ago. The lack of folks of color in these photos, even in the background, struck me.
Posted by: roofrights at April 20, 2009 1:28 PM in response to Sunny Skies Grace The Flea's Opening Day
you are welcome! I don't comment a lot, but I do contribute to your page views--probably more than my job would like....;-)
Posted by: roofrights at April 2, 2009 10:23 AM in response to Brownstoner Monthly Traffic Tops 1.5 Million Pageviews
I agree with other comments and say, not for me. i am on my coop board too and it takes a lot of hard work to make these cooperative communities work. everyone is self interested and don't do anything unless something directly impacts them. so...dogs are ok, as long as the dogs don't live above me. or, i don't mind kids, until they are next door and up early or unless they are mine. i've seen rational people get crazy about things like, dripping water from AC, music being played, smoking, rug coverings, kids running...etc. Not, "let's talk it out" but CRAZY, like lawyer calling crazy. But I wish this group good luck. Maybe they can teach us a thing or two....
Posted by: roofrights at December 1, 2008 6:49 PM in response to Utopia in the City
roofrights wrote a review about Melt on November 26, 2008 9:47 AM
I've been to Melt many times and it is always a solid and delicious eating experience. The Tuesday Tasting Menu is good and fun and different as I haven't encountered many "tastings" in restaurants around here (know where they do this anywhere else?). It's a fun way to sample the menu and a fun way to spend a Tuesday. I especially adore the brunch. Service is a little uneven at times the food is very good.
I've looked here. It really was nicely done. Though the prices seem good, my gut says that prices will go down and there's enough inventory of similar quality. They are pretty much building the same thing across the street. I am taking a wait and see approach. Traffic to the open house was pretty steady though....
Posted by: roofrights at November 24, 2008 11:14 AM in response to Checking in on 660 Bergen
roofrights wrote a review about Scopello on November 18, 2008 3:13 PM
for the record, i had the WORST meal here one day after a great show at BAM. I've lived in this area for 10 years and knew this space as various other restaurants and just never got around to trying it under the new management. It seemed like a great place to go after the show. We had a forgettable meal which made me think I was better off at the burger joint next door. We also had really bad service. I can't remember what I ordered (and it was literally only 2 months ago!) which says something because I am a total foodie, but I can remember promising myself to never go back. There are too many good places in the area to visit then to throw money away at such a bland, mediocre experience.
I think it is chnewbie's issue to resolve first and I don't think it requires a board intervention. I sit on a board and I am shocked at how often people want the board to resolve situations that really only required neighborly consideration in the first place. chnewbie won't move his/her unit because of the cost? that won't sit well when upstairs neighbors are told they have to move theirs. I am assuming they also incurred expense to install AC. approaching neighbors this way will quickly become a battle of wills. i suggest chnewbie at least try some of the mentioned solutions. so if and when he/she approaches her upstairs neighbors there seems to be the good will of "trying" to resolve the problem first. remember "cooperative" means working together for a common benefit.
Posted by: roofrights at July 30, 2008 5:23 PM in response to Help! My neighbor's AC is dripping on us!
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Thank you for asking this question. These vans are certainly more frequent than the B41. So, is there a trick to it? Do certain vans go only to certain parts of BK? Or do you just hop on, pay your money, and give your destination?
Also, would it generally be cool to do this as a white person, or would I be better off w/the bus?
Posted by: BrooklynButler at July 14, 2009 2:01 PM in response to 'Sup with those black van taxis?
I was in Sunset Park the other night and I saw a Chinese dollar van on it's way back from Canal street.
Posted by: jack slade at July 14, 2009 5:46 PM in response to 'Sup with those black van taxis?
BrooklynButler, in regards to the first part of your question, I believe the vans stop at or near bus stops. You could ask people standing by the bus stops about that, and also get info about where the vans go. I know some of them just go up and down Flatbush, from downtown all the way into East Flatbush and perhaps beyond, if there is a market. When a van stops, you can always ask the driver. I don't believe most of them will take you to your door unless your door is on an established route. When I lived in the Bronx, my street was on one of the routes.
As to whether or not you as a white person should do this, I'm going to refrain from the smartass remark that I must admit came to mind, and just say that your green money is the only color they are interested in. Live adventurously, support black owned businesses, and go for it.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at July 15, 2009 11:36 AM in response to 'Sup with those black van taxis?
I saw this store and assumed that it was specific for the community. Through the window you see lots of dark colors, lots of black and white stripes. I am just surprised that the Hasdic community provides enough support to Benetton to open a store on such a desolate strip. I don't think I would go in there and shop though and not just because Benetton is wack!
Posted by: roofrights at November 20, 2009 10:52 AM in response to Huh? Benetton for Bed Stuy Stretch of Bedford Avenue