When a Candy Store Isn't a Candy Store
The Times’ new blog The Local tries to go where few, if any, bloggers have gone before—inside the Putnam Candy Store. Contrary to what the store’s web site says, there is no candy to be found. Here’s the play-by-play: So the other day, at 12:30 on a brilliant afternoon, I tried the doorknob. Notwithstanding the…
The Times’ new blog The Local tries to go where few, if any, bloggers have gone before—inside the Putnam Candy Store. Contrary to what the store’s web site says, there is no candy to be found. Here’s the play-by-play:
So the other day, at 12:30 on a brilliant afternoon, I tried the doorknob. Notwithstanding the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours listed on the Web site, the door was locked. After a bit, though, it opened slowly from the inside. A 50ish man in a work uniform of some sort, holding an open tallboy of Bud, peered quizzically out from behind the door.
Um, is this the store? I asked, trying to peer past him. In the shadows I could make out the figures of two or three other men sitting and talking. The beer in the greeter’s hand was the only visible merchandise.
No, he said. Across the street. He lifted his chin in the direction of an open bodega cater-corner across Putnam and Grand and gently closed the door in my face.
The blog also gets City Councilwoman Letitia James to go on record about the store. There’s a lot of traffic, people going in and out, she told The Local. I don’t know what you’d attribute that to — a lot of people buying milk, or people buying something stronger. Grand and Putnam has been a challenge since I first got elected. It’s improved greatly but we still have our challenges, and the candy store may be one of them.
Have any readers ever been inside?
At a Local Candy Store, But Where Are the Mars Bars? [NYT/The Local] GMAP
BHO–I really would appreciate it if you would respond to my last post here. You can’t have it both ways–ie saying there should be “equal opportunity in the underworld” and then suggest that there is some reason why Putnam Candy Store would be a drag on house values in the area. Its inconsistent and disingenuous. Be real my friend.
It’s only mysterious and inviting because of the sign.
There are a million of these social clubs all over the city. Not to mention every town has its bars and restaurants that won’t serve most of the people who stop in.
There’s a cafe in my area in Bushwick I’m afraid to go into. A glance through the windows shows there is virtually nothing for sale inside. It’s a holdover from the Italian era of Bushwick that basically functions as a social club for old Italian guys who like to smoke cigars. I’d like to try the espresso but I’m too intimidated.
Thanks for birthday wishes. I said in the party thread that I would be happy to see you at the party. I think it would be a great conversation, no horns. As for this, I really don’t think the Putnam Candy Store has much relevance to the value of my home (which I have been quite open about acknowledging is likely decreasing–I just don’t think this particular place has anything to do with it–the macro factors that you know so much about are much more the cause). All that being said, I got together with a couple this weekend who are buying on Downing (contract signed) and my house was the comp that determined their price. So folks are still buying in the same ballpark, though I know what you will say about keeping the camera rolling. You are right for you and I made the decision that was right for me and we should be able to keep it to that.
I know, The Who. Can we get some affirmative action in the underworld?
***Bid half off peak comps***
I said it already. That candy store puts the market in perspective. The hood is resilient and won’t just change overnight.
Happy Birthday, man.
***Bid half off peak comps***
Who–i would be curious to know what her response would be. I agree that if it was a Jewish or Italian front nobody would go snooping.
If this “Candy Store” was in Bensonhurst, an italian front or a jewish front he would have left the place alone. Letitia James or any other council person would not have been contacted to close the place.
I wish something had snatched him out of existence when he went in there The people in that place are harmless.
I’ll make it a point to let Letitia James know this.
No idea what you are talking about. I do like talking about weird and interesting things in my neighborhood though. Do you have anything to say about the topic at hand?
“pal, whadda you want, a f___in pizza pie? Go over ta grimaldis. And they all laughed.”
There you go.