FYI, we owned two of these bungalows, in the 80's and 90's. We tried to make a go of renovating them and using them as a city retreat by the ocean. The beach and the boardwalk are quite nice there. We ended up renting them out, and finally selling them.

Posted by: walester at June 19, 2009 1:14 PM in response to The Last of the Bungalows

It's very interesting reading the comments in this thread. My question for you is this: how would you feel if this group (40 apartments with communal living arrangements) were settling on YOUR block? Would you be concerned at all, and if so, why? What are the good points and bad points about having cohousers as neighbors?

Posted by: walester at December 1, 2008 4:56 PM in response to Utopia in the City

Just be careful that your cleaning person understands that this is a house (multiple floors) and not an apartment. Over the years, I've been surprised that my apartment friends recommend cleaning folks who wither at the reality of climbing ladders, running up and down stairs, and dealing with all sorts of ornate woodwork and moldings. It's really hard work.

imho

Posted by: walester at November 3, 2008 3:54 PM in response to need house cleaner

For antique clock repair - John Metcalfe.

He's not cheap, but he's REALLY good.

(from NY Magazine):

Clocks
Antiquarian Horologist
1 Beekman Street, Room 507
212-587-3715

John Metcalfe will work on any non-battery-operated clock, be it "an early Woolworth or a late Faberge," or even a complicated grande sonnerie, which he describes as "a clock that simply won't shut up." Metcalfe recently overhauled a Renaissance table clock ("All the parts were there, but it hadn't run in centuries") that he got working for $1,000. Prices start at $200 for general repairs and $600 for long-case (grandfather) clocks and escalate based on complexity. He makes housecalls and guarantees his work for a year.

Posted by: walester at August 1, 2008 4:50 PM in response to Clock repair; place to buy lampshades

Last year, we installed a split unit air conditioner to cool our parlor floor. The compressor sits on the side of the garden apartment's terrace. It's very, very quiet with no noticeable breeze. Our tenant has never complained and entertains on the terrace. And the unit cools our 1000 square feet easily. Best investment I ever made.

Posted by: walester at June 7, 2008 12:17 PM in response to A/C Compressor in basement

Been there, done that. Such memories...

Moved into our home in 1982, with the twin sister of your neighbor living next to me. We were renovating and every excuse she could come up with to sabotage our work was tried, including bringing in her son "the lawyer" (who it turned out later was a law clerk).

We tried to remove the fence (built by the previous owner of my home) and she claimed it was her fence and on her property, although it was clearly on our property.

Here's how it finally got resolved:

We had a very active block association, and I went to them to describe my problems with upgrading my property and removing my fence. They were well aware of my neighbor's history of false claims and histrionics. The president of the association (a long time and respected resident who actually was a retired judge) offered to arbitrate the dispute. He came to the site, examined it and heard both sides of the story. He looked at all the documents including the survey and our architect's plans for improving the back yard.

His "verdict": not only were we completely in the right about removing the fence, but he argued that the work we were doing would significantly increase the value of our neighbors unkempt property. When she heard that, her tune changed. I also think that hearing this from one of the long time residents and not the newcomers had some impact - she was clearly hoping to save face with them.

Our relationship improved significantly after that. A few more incidents, of course, but quickly resolved. She actually approached us about the name of our architect, so that she could renovate her house (a duplicate of ours) because "ours was so nice". She passed away about five years later, but whenever I look out over my fence into her yard (where her son the law clerk now lives) I think of her.

Posted by: walester at April 5, 2008 3:57 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

We use two excellent, reliable, thorough and trustworthy cleaning women. They are available on Mondays and/or Wednesdays. They work all over the city, but clean many houses in Park Slope. Highly recommended! Contact Verna and Margaret at 718.450.1737.

Posted by: carriefharvey at December 2, 2008 2:28 PM in response to need house cleaner

i've used http://www.maidoncall.com and they are very professional and thorough. 212-242-1774 ask for Val or Joe

Posted by: jhuyghe at December 4, 2008 10:58 AM in response to need house cleaner

Clinton Hill Clocks
St. James Place
Brooklyn, NY
www.clintonhillclocks.com
917 656 5513

David Sokosh has a Clinton Hill Brooklyn based antique clock repair shop and showroom. Prices start at $65 for basic servicing and full restoration starts at $175. He specializes in American 19th and 20th Century timekeepers with a special fondness for Brooklyn made Ansonia clocks. He also works on French, German and English mechanical clocks. Hours at the shop are by appointment. Check the website for his schedule, he's often at the DUMBO Antique Market and the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene. He sells clocks and gives estimates for repairs at these events. He'll also make a house call if your clock can't travel.

Posted by: Sherwood Crane at February 23, 2009 8:34 AM in response to Clock repair; place to buy lampshades

Clinton Hill Clocks
St. James Place
Brooklyn, NY
www.clintonhillclocks.com
917 656 5513

David Sokosh has a Clinton Hill Brooklyn based antique clock repair shop and showroom. Prices start at $65 for basic servicing and full restoration starts at $175. He specializes in American 19th and 20th Century timekeepers with a special fondness for Brooklyn made Ansonia clocks. He also works on French, German and English mechanical clocks. Hours at the shop are by appointment. Check the website for his schedule, he's often at the DUMBO Antique Market and the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene. He sells clocks and gives estimates for repairs at these events. He'll also make a house call if your clock can't travel.

Posted by: Sherwood Crane at February 23, 2009 8:35 AM in response to Clock repair; place to buy lampshades