Thank you for your nomination, Dipster. However, at this point I think I'd rather be a borough president. A lot less pressure to actually produce results... and still get paid $160,000 a year. I could deal with that. I'd probably shout less.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 6:00 PM in response to East River Ferry Service in Jeopardy—Again

And it must be infested with sink bugs.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 5:03 PM in response to House of the Day: 238 Windsor Place

Apparently 5th floor walk-ups are for folks with income well over the 6-figure mark... at least is beautiful, amazing Brooklyn Heights!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 4:27 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 32 Willow Place, #9

You should be able to get between ALL of the boroughs for free... if you are registered as a NYC resident. Staten Island isn't exactly a public transportation mecca... but it costs you $10 to drive there!

And a similar cost to go to the Bronx without going through Manhattan -- you'd think they'd want to promote avoiding Manhattan if you didn't need to go there!

I'm all for "border" tolls! Nassau --> Brooklyn/Queens and internally toll the hell out of folks that have Penn./SC/NC/Fla. registrations!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 2:38 PM in response to East River Ferry Service in Jeopardy—Again

Ecstatic.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 2:08 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Cafe Opening on 6th Avenue

Shillstoner, it's 2,700 square feet... counting the back yard as living space. Do you remember the guys camping in Bushwick? Yet ANOTHER great income opportunity to lower your mortgage costs!!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 2:06 PM in response to House of the Day: 238 Windsor Place

I think you should just pay the IRS the money.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Easement Audit Nightmare

A house supposedly worth over a million dollars and it's finished like a $500/month rental in a college town... nice.

Oh, I mean. What a wonderful opportunity. A beautiful home in a great location and your mortgage is dramatically reduced because of the great potential for rental income upstairs!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 1:38 PM in response to House of the Day: 238 Windsor Place

Oh wow. What a great opportunity for someone special! The price is completely in line with such a wonderful neighborhood and so close to everything! Just think about that beautiful park and strolling along the quaint streets of Brooklyn Heights... and so close to Manhattan! And the maintenance charges... compared to what I was paying in Manhattan, they're basically giving away this apartment!

I bet there will be a bidding war over this place. You have that wonderful courtyard to enjoy with your neighbors -- maybe evening cocktails and snacks from a little shop on Montague.

I say this place will go for at least $750,000 easy -- wouldn't even be surprised if someone just fell in love and offered $800,000 in cash! I know I would if I didn't already live just down the street!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 1:29 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 32 Willow Place, #9

DIBS -- What's your opinion about firemen? :-)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Election 2009: No Big Surprises in Brooklyn

The current lease expires in a year? Talk to the landlord. Tell him that "John doesn't look like he plans on staying here long-term" (don't say he's gone away, cuz he might want to kick you all out for abandonment of the property... there are some seriously douchey landlords out there) and ask him to renew with YOU guys instead of John. Then John can be the subletter... and you can charge him whatever you'd like.

No?

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

DitmasSnark -- I was wondering if anyone would notice my "devolution" comments.

First, I'm all for a radical change to our healthcare system. It should be universal, highly regulated and reward innovation (both in terms of improved health/quality of life and reduced costs). Those are mutually exclusive thoughts.

Second, I'm not referring to ALL healthcare systems in other countries. We most definitely should be stealing, borrowing and co-opting what works and what fits. It's the fit issue that I am referring to... Most nations are MUCH smaller, so a *national* solution is much easier to administer. Take Canada -- it's a 1/10 as populous. Where they have issues, generally, is with their size. Rural Canada gets the shafted. But countries like Britain and France are very successful in various social programs because they have a very efficient scale and population density. Central administration is just structurally easier....

But, my point is not the national healthcare debate. My point was exploring the idea of "Devolution" for New York City. Doesn't it seem a bit much to ask to reform the NYC Department of Education when it involves over 1 million students, 1450 schools, over 80,000 teachers and has an annual budget of $17 BILLION not including debt service??

What if the "City" was broken up into 5 administrative, autonomous units again (or 3 or 4 or whatever makes sense)?

The "culture" of each of these units could be better preserved. i.e., not simply Manhattan-centric. And decisions about how best to serve the population could be made on a significantly smaller scale. Just think about it... Rather than 8.3 million denizens all at once, you would only have to deal with the following:

Manhattan (1,634,795)
Bronx (1,391,903)
Brooklyn (2,556,598);
Queens (2,293,007);
Staten Island (487,407)

It's just a thought... and I'm sure it's been thought about before. And of course, the likes of Marty Markowitz could no longer be elected as the top dog. The chief executive of Brooklyn would actually count.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 12:00 PM in response to Election 2009: No Big Surprises in Brooklyn

Oh, I think this place is loverly. Worth every penny. Probably more!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 11:42 AM in response to Price Cuts at 272 St. Marks Avenue

Slopefarm... this is certainly a commercial lease and there is NO rights to a pro-rated share. The leaseholder can determine how much his time/effort/risk is worth as the executor of the lease. And he most certainly could make a profit. Salons rent "chairs" -- of course the leaseholder is making a profit (or trying to).

This is not an apartment -- this is a commercial space that folks happen to sleep in.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 11:39 AM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

Seriously, "John" is the leaseholder... and is really the only responsible party in the eyes of the landlord/law. While it would be *nice* if he made it an equal split, the fact is that it's completely reasonable that he is operating with a certain business mind-set.

Is "John" a rich investment banker? Or has he figured out a way to make do with a smaller income in this city... AND provide 4 other folks with a reasonable rent.

Do you think $$ you pay is unreasonable compared to other places you could live? If so, move to that other place. If it's reasonable in comparison... I don't know why you're complaining.

Folks on here know that I'm the first to bitch about the high cost of living in this city and the ridiculous housing costs. HOWEVER, this is not an example of this. This is an example of you accepting a deal and then finding out the back story. My landlord charges me $XXX... but I find out he doesn't have a mortgage and is spending the money on hookers. Should I complain and ask him for a rent reduction?!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 11:37 AM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

To throw a little wackiness into to mix today, My opinion is that we've exceeded the limits of scale... The consolidation of New York City in 1898 was a great idea back then. But then again, there were only around 3 million folks. The administrative unit is simply too big.

This is a problem that the United States has too... take for example, health care. There are lots of great national healthcare systems around the world -- but many of these simply wouldn't fit America. Not because of our incessant libertarian ideals, but simply because we're too big. Both population and landmass.

NYC should really start to explore the notion of devolution similar to Scotland. Still beholden to a "whole," but far less so. Brooklyn would have it's own Department of Education and Fire Department and Police... and you would only involve the "City" when you crossed boundaries -- like our relationship with NJ and CT.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 11:23 AM in response to Election 2009: No Big Surprises in Brooklyn

What's with the GMap links today?!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 11:03 AM in response to Price Cuts at 272 St. Marks Avenue

I think it's funny how the Bloomberg school reform efforts are supposed to be a magical magic wand that has IMMEDIATE effect and brings NYC's completely MISERABLE failing school system to the best in the country *over night*!!

Are you joking?

The NYC Department of Education includes over 1 million students, 1450 schools, over 80,000 teachers and has an annual budget of $17 BILLION not including debt service.

It took a long time for the schools to decline to the pathetic state that their in... many years of neglect and lousy administration. The 8 years of effort by Bloomberg has to be seen in this context... and guess what, he's performing ADMIRABLY.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 10:47 AM in response to Election 2009: No Big Surprises in Brooklyn

Nothing like a nice crème brûlée after running the water lines to a new slop sink!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 10:20 AM in response to DIY Beginner Project?

(pssst... the Gmap goes to 267 State St in Downtown Bklyn.)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 10:05 AM in response to Rate It: 513 MacDonough Street Sells for $420,000

Yeah, DIBS is right... 2 --> 3 --> 1. The crown moulding is a bitch with the miters and making it look clean and "seamless" But honestly, none of those projects are terribly advanced.

If your bathroom project includes simple copper pipe installation... that's a lot of fun. Lots of fun little (cheap) tools: pipe cutter, sand paper, flux, solder, and... A BLOW TORCH! Yes!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 9:55 AM in response to DIY Beginner Project?

Interesting... you would think that since the folks served by this water link live in the "Luxury" condos on the river, they'd be able to absorb the costs of a non-subsidized Water Taxi trip.

But I guess they are probably house-poor spending crazy amounts on their piece of heaven.

Then again, I'm told housing prices have no greater effect on the surrounding environment and people will pay what they want and I'm dumb to think that the market could ever be wrong... so *I* must be wrong. They probably can't afford to pay unsubsidized water taxi fares because of the war in Afghanistan.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 9:52 AM in response to East River Ferry Service in Jeopardy—Again

Perhaps Muffy... I have to agree with you about the clear message the election result map will send to the Gracie Mansion. I voted for Bloomberg -- I think he competent and many of the programs I value (like plaNYC and its related greeNYC) are frankly revolutionary... he actually has the guts to do long-term strategic visioning and planning beyond the next election cycle.

That being said, no doubt... he has alienated many residents and I hope the message was received. However, I wish folks would recognize at least SOME of the great works his administration has done -- not least of which given the jokers on the City Council a proper kick in the ass when they needed it.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 9:44 AM in response to Election 2009: No Big Surprises in Brooklyn

The only reason Bloomy didn't actually have a landslide was because folks got all "oh -- we *know* he's gonna win" and didn't bother showing up.

I don't know how many registered voters there are, but a turnout of 1.1 million seems pretty damn crappy! And thoroughly disappointing.

He probably could have save 1/2 his campaign money by simply devoting time to a "Make Sure You Show Up" campaign...

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 9:33 AM in response to Election 2009: No Big Surprises in Brooklyn

CGar -- I'm committed myself to turning over a new leaf!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 9:27 AM in response to Open Thread

Ha! I live in a red district... who'd a thunk! While $190 per vote seems a bit excessive -- it all worked out in the end. Mr. Thompson can just go back to being comptroller... oh, wait. No he can't.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 4, 2009 9:19 AM in response to Open Thread

This place will certainly go for well above ask... it's magnificent. All those details, its location in an amazing neighborhood in the best city in the world. Worth every penny and more! Great investment potential, indeed!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 10:32 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 126 Greene Avenue, #2W

Brownie -- how can you say this seems high? People will pay what they want. The market will decide. You shouldn't make such rash judgements. This property will *speak* to someone and, of course, there's the privilege of living in the best city on earth... you can't discount that. In fact, that's worth the $3,000,000 premium all by itself.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 9:27 PM in response to House of the Day: 28 Middagh Street

Wasder... you said "Tybur--I am sensitive to your general outlook and definitely can relate to the feeling that one will never make enough money to own a home in NYC."

For the first time in a while my comment was strictly about the business sense of buying this place... it just doesn't makes sense. I can't even begin to comprehend the notion that "you shouldn't expect to make a profit at close" -- OK, maybe not a profit... but you should be able to break even.

Seriously. Not covering basic expenses for 15 years... and not breaking-even on your investment for 30?! That doesn't make any business sense.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 3:18 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Isn't this considered Eastern Park Slope?

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 3:00 PM in response to Development Watch: 527 Lincoln Place

Is that really a good deal on 6th Avenue?

It's a 3-family home. With 20% down, the mortgage payment alone would be about $8,500... no? How does that make business sense?

You can rent each of the 3 units for $3500 (minimum)? And consistently... and not have gap months... no special expenses like replacing a toilet or fixing a roof?

Really doesn't sound like a good price. Sorry.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 12:06 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

fsrq... It's good that you've taken the first step. Admitting you're a cutter. The next step is to turn to Christ for guidance.

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/cutting.html

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 11:45 AM in response to Squadron Helps Drivers Get Off (The FDR)

I mean... it's a really charming neighborhood. And so close to Buckles, Buckles, Buckles!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 11:37 AM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Oooh... the Gravesend property is such a beautiful home. I can't imagine how it didn't fetch the $4 million dollars they were asking for in 2007. Seriously? Seems like a great deal. Whoever paid $1.5 million has certainly gotten themselves a great investment! It'll be worth double that as soon as the is crazy economy goes back to normal. Talk about a bargain!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 11:35 AM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

C-Gar... it was a correction directed to Mr. B, but he just changed his original text, "Tavern on Dean," to read "Tavern on Nostrand." So I look like a dummy making random comments. It's a subversive conspiracy to cause me shame.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 11:17 AM in response to Tavern on Nostrand RIP

The big photo above does say "Tavern on Nostrand" -- just sayin'

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 11:10 AM in response to Tavern on Nostrand RIP

IMBY... you do know that 60% of Brooklyn residents have out-of-state plates, right? I'm pretty sure it around that amount anyway (Penn, SC, NC, Fla., etc.)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 11:05 AM in response to Squadron Helps Drivers Get Off (The FDR)

Oh... I should modify my response above. I do stand down to folks with shittier cars than me. But folks with fancy SUVs and German cars that look like they are buffed and polished daily -- hit me if you dare! But I know you won't!

(It's the borderline cases that have ended in a bit of a bumping... equally shitty. No clear victor.)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 10:56 AM in response to Squadron Helps Drivers Get Off (The FDR)

I've lost 3 different chauffeurs because they didn't have their own room... it has always been a challenge to maintain a car-and-driver living in a 1-bedroom rental.

I might have to look into this place. It would definitely reduce staff turn over.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 10:53 AM in response to The Gingerbread House Hits the Market

IMBY -- I queue up... and I try my damnedest not to let ANYONE squeeze in front of me. In any of these sort of situations... And I've been "kissed" a couple of times. I care a lot about my car, but not it's superficial appearance! That's a glorious thing in this sort of situation.

The other folks I don't yield for are the assholes that refuse to use their directional signals. I will yield for anyone if they signal their lane change... if not, I will do everything in my power to block the fucker. :-)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Squadron Helps Drivers Get Off (The FDR)

While I've complained many times about the lack of traffic enforcement, the NYPD sure knows how to pick the low hanging fruit!!

Rather than dealing with actually dangerous drivers, it has patrols out looking for cell phone users AND ticketing people that cross the white line at the Prospect Expressway --> BQE exit. Both of these seem like great ways to make sure we're safe on the roads!

Oh right -- it's not about safety... it about minimal effort with minimal effect! (except maybe some revenue and a lowered opinion of the NYPD)

I'm sure enforcing this FDR Drive exit has been on their list of "Not making the city safer, but a good activity for fellow officers getting time-and-a-half overtime!"

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 10:29 AM in response to Squadron Helps Drivers Get Off (The FDR)

Hahaha... in the rendering, it actually looks like a Denver scene -- complete with mountains in the background!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 9:36 AM in response to Pelli Tower Proposed for Greenpoint Waterfront

I like voting for people under their "alternative" party designations. I think it makes voting more fun!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 9:26 AM in response to Open Thread

and sorry, that would be "mediocre crap HOLE"

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 8:44 AM in response to Condo of the Day: 85 North 3rd Street, #207

NOMI!!! How do you possibly come to think that *rental* prices are somehow magically disconnected to *purchase* prices?!

There is a direct relationship! You buy a house for waaaay to much money, so you rent the garden apartment for $2700 instead of $1200 to try to cover your monthlies... Someone pays that ridiculous prices and BAAAAM! That's the new "standard" for some mediocre crap whole with low ceilings.

That affects ME... a renter.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 8:42 AM in response to Condo of the Day: 85 North 3rd Street, #207

Why is there so much disagreement about the simplest neighborhood in all of brooklyn?

North Slope = North of Union Street.
Center Slope = Union to 9th Street
South Slope = 9th Street to 15th Street

Oh, and I'd say 4th is the cut-off... being generous, and then we are in the Gowanus (at least below Butler where the canal exists)

(though, somehow 34th Street and 3rd Ave still counts as Park Slope according to our friends in there real estate biz... though I guess that's similar to Nostrand and Sterling being called Prospect Heights.)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 8:38 AM in response to House of the Day: 49 8th Avenue

The square footage keeps being quoted... But these aren't 1,700 *livable* square feet. This place has gallery/museum proportions. It's 1,700 open square feet. It's a 600 sq ft living room!

Don't get me wrong, I think the openness could be really nice. But the $700/sq ft should be discounted, no?

But then again -- I have no concept whatsoever about a single person or a couple spending $1.2 million plus $1200/mo on an apartment. I guess this is normal.

Posted by: tybur6 at November 2, 2009 3:46 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 85 North 3rd Street, #207

Why do the Neinast family trio (Corcoran) all tilt their head in that creepy school photo way?

Posted by: tybur6 at November 2, 2009 3:40 PM in response to Sheepshead Bay Gets Sexy

Not exactly an "incremental" change sort of construction, eh? They're trying to go straight from "quite crappy" to "fancy glass" all in one big hop? Interesting. Gutsy!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 2, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Sheepshead Bay Gets Sexy

Depends on what "Market Rate" means... if you actually figure in the price tag reduction because of the projects, then sure. But if you mean the typical absurd price tag, then No. Absolutely not. And by "absolutely not," I mean... Of course, someone with more money than sense will buy them.

But I'm sure the developer has planned on charging $750k for a 1-bedroom like every other new building in Brooklyn... so it'll be fun. Plus, charging crazy prices to live across from the projects means that folks in nicer neighborhoods get to raise their prices!! It's all a fun feedback loop with no end!

Posted by: tybur6 at November 2, 2009 3:20 PM in response to Development Watch: 185 York Street

I'm just answering the question without the predictable agendas many on this blog have.
OP was looking for any "rights" he might have, not moral navel gazing or a spanking. I personally don't think there's much of a screwing going on here.
Did I call you buttface? Do you turn your head whenever you here some kid shout out, "Hey Asshole!"?

Posted by: modsquad at November 4, 2009 8:04 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

Obviously we misread your "we deducted @ 90,000 over the next three years". $96K works out to a much more reasonable 8% - still needs to stand up to audit, but it's a pretty conservative number.

A lot of the IRS info that is being posted here is out of date. There was some updates to the law in 2006 (attached to pension benefit legislation by congress). (You easement is earlier, so the restrictions there would not apply, I assume. There has also been some clarification from the IRS (there is a good collection of correspondence here: http://www.architecturaltrust.org/taxadvantage/newsanalysis/irsupdate.asp - the "Trust" is the largest holder (and promoter) of easements, but the information here is objective).

The bottom line is that IRS has backed away from the "no value" position regarding easements in locally-governed historic districts, but they have also reemphasized that a straight percentage deduction is not valid. As @setancre says above, you need before and after appraisals that take into account the impact of the local legislation and any other local factors.

As I said, this is not a dubious scheme - but it is a deduction that the IRS audits frequently.

Posted by: WBer at November 4, 2009 9:00 PM in response to Easement Audit Nightmare

Mopar, I wish I knew before, I would have taken the Monday class. Sign up for level 2 so we can do it together on Tuesdays!!!!

Cookie, class is $150 for 10 classes. classes meet once a week (for 10 weeks) and last for 3 hours (from 6-9pm).

No need to bring anything. They have all the tools. They just ask you to buy goggles, gloves and mask.

Posted by: Kensingtonian at November 4, 2009 10:20 PM in response to DIY Beginner Project?