Thanks everyone. All helpful info. This area is inside our property line according to the most recent survey. It's not fenced in yet, but we're putting up a fence at our property line as well. Anyway, thanks for weighing in.

Posted by: sammsf at May 26, 2009 4:01 PM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk

Also good to know about. Thanks!

Posted by: sammsf at May 22, 2009 3:51 PM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk

Thanks! Yes, it must be an areaway. We're not in a historic district, but just having the right term is a big help.

Posted by: sammsf at May 22, 2009 3:29 PM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk

We also live on a 1st flr apt and I was really dreading having the bars, but they're really not so bad. They don't spoil your light and views as much as you might think and the security is definitely worth it.

Posted by: sammsf at January 20, 2009 4:41 PM in response to Window Guards VS Security System

Thanks for the info everyone. I think we will stick w/ brooklyn fencers for now, but thanks so much.

Posted by: sammsf at June 23, 2008 12:13 PM in response to fence contractor recommedations?

Aren't bars on windows a safety hazard? How would you get out if there is a fire and your front door is inaccessible? There was a fire in Flatbush were all but a two of the occupants of the house died because the windows were blocked by security bars.

Posted by: Chaka at January 20, 2009 8:27 PM in response to Window Guards VS Security System

Phoned in alarms go to the bottom of the priority list for 911 calls, so you could be looking at a substantial response time before the cops get there. They don't even get called in as burglaries, but as automatic alarms, and since so many of them are false alarms, the cops don't kill themselves getting there. Too many false alarms (it used to be three in a year, I don't know what it is now) and the cops won't respond at all. Personally, I think that alarm systems are a rip off, and I know that precincts used to have crime prevention officers who would do safety surveys on houses and they were taught to recomend bars over alarm systems. Most thieves, obviously not all, but most, will go to the next house if a house is secured with bars, especially if they are exposed and not hidden behind shrubs, trees, things that thieves can operate behind without being seen.

Posted by: Bond at January 20, 2009 9:25 PM in response to Window Guards VS Security System

Bars are ugly and make your home feel like a jail cell. When I first moved to NYC, I had them installed in my exterior windows, but a year later later I had them removed and the place felt much more spacious and airy afterwards.

It's better to invest in very good windows and an alarm system.

Simply locking your windows when you leave home is my best advice.

Usually burglars look for apartments with the easiest means of entry and an open or unlocked window is always their first target.

Posted by: IronBalls at January 20, 2009 9:56 PM in response to Window Guards VS Security System

Burglar alarms are like most other deterrents, they will keep the amateurs at bay. However alarm systems have other neat functions like smoke detection, flood detection, and low temperature alarms if your heat goes out. If you want an aesthetically pleasing form of protection from a brute force attack though I recommend replacing your street level windows with tempered glass. You can take a brick to those windows and they won't break.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at January 21, 2009 8:22 AM in response to Window Guards VS Security System

BTW, do not assume that if an LPC permit is not required *for you*, that a DOB permit would also not be required. There are owner's evenings every Tuesday at borough DOB office. Ask your question there. Here's a link to the LPC's glossary: http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/glossary/glossary.shtml

Posted by: vinca at May 22, 2009 3:43 PM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk

Also good to know about. Thanks!

Posted by: sammsf at May 22, 2009 3:51 PM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk

Isn't the OP just talking about the front yard? I've never heard a permit is required to re-do the cement in the front yard (or remove it). Of course, I'm no expert.

Posted by: mopar at May 23, 2009 5:27 PM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk

Mopar, in the words of A.E. Houseman: "Three minutes thought would suffice to find this out; but thought is irksome and three minutes is a long time."

Posted by: vinca at May 25, 2009 10:17 AM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk

is it a fenced in area? If so then don't bother with permit. Or is sidewalk that public walks on now?
and anyway - not a DOB matter. Could make case for transportation dept...but not DOB.

Posted by: Petebklyn at May 26, 2009 9:55 AM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk

Where is your property line? Better pull out your title survey and make sure that what you think is your property actually is. The City doesn't like home owners removing pavement from areas that are public property.

Posted by: sam at May 26, 2009 11:21 AM in response to pavement removal along sidewalk