Gowanus Houses Neighbors
We’re thinking about buying a place across the street from the Gowanus Housing Projects. We don’t really know that much about this specific neighborhood – we’ve spent the last 4 years in DUMBO. What do people think about being this close to these particular projects? This would be a live work space for us. We’re…
We’re thinking about buying a place across the street from the Gowanus Housing Projects. We don’t really know that much about this specific neighborhood – we’ve spent the last 4 years in DUMBO. What do people think about being this close to these particular projects? This would be a live work space for us. We’re concerned about safety and resale. Also, what do people think is going to happen with the Bond, Butler, Baltic St. blocks? THank you!
In terms of re-sale value, it is important to know people’s impressions. There are SO many people who would NEVER live across from projects, no matter how safe they are. Even though I would live half a block from them without thinking twice (and nearly did buy a place half a block away)I don’t think I would want to buy a house right across from the projects, because they are truly such an eyesore and just pretty dreary in general. I really don’t think safety is an issue, but I can see getting swept away in desperation to buy something affordable and then having serious buyers regret about the location. I do love Boerum Hill, but I think the poster is right that you should spend quite a bit of time there day and night and ask the neighbors how they feel. In terms of the liquor store on court having bullet proof windows – that is simply ridiculous and every time I go there I ask when they are getting rid of them. It really is a safe safe area – streets are always full of people.
we looked at a place across the st– looked good during the day. at night there were hoods all over — only activity was outside the chinese/chicken joint and the liquor store.
Notice that both are bulletproof? Wonder why
to the “guest” (8:18 am) who mentioned that they may have info about the new construction btw butler and baltic, i’d love to hear it. thank you for all the comments.
I’ve lived in Boerum Hill off and on for 25 years. State St. in the early 1980s and Dean St. now. The improvement in the area is off the charts. That said, you still need to approach things with eyes wide open. I walk up and down Hoyt + Smith St. a lot. While Smith is considered hip + gentrified, it has as much crime Hoyt. People’s perception of the two streets is very different though. Same with houses. People have a different perception if the house is a couple of blocks away from the projects than if it is right up against it. I think over time, the area right by the projects will continue to improve. I think I’d rent there for a while first though, to see if you are comfortable.
F that I grew up in NYC and would never live near a housing project…You can’t tell people how to feel; sorry a lot of projects are not safe and why would I invest where I don’t feel safe. Everyone has a right to their opinion without the racist BS being thrown at them. I don’t live anywhere near a project and I love it..People If you don’t feel right about a situation don’t let folks on a board change your mind about anything…you have a right to your opinion and safety.
Is the building in question the one on bond bwt butler and baltic? new construction? if so Ive got some info for you oon the building
John, Although I appreciate your disgust, especially with 10:08, I do disagree in that the main concerns the OP is expressing is: “We’re concerned about safety and resale.”
I used to live not too far from the Gowanus houses, and also the Warren street projects and I must say that saftey and resale are challenging issues. My wife and I would sometimes walk past there on our way to Atlantic or Carroll Gardens and I felt very unsafe. People would approach asking for money, trying to touch my wife, etc. I could only imagine if she were by herself…
Now we will walk at least 3 or 4 blocks out of the way just to avoid the entire area.
As far as re-sale, every once in a while I notice listings in the area that are way underpriced and languish on the market forever, basically for the same reasons noted above.
The projects are a permenant fixture in NYC, but that does not mean you have to live near or across from one.
I dont consider myself a racist, but I am a realist. I would never feel safe over there even if police were posted on every corner (Which they are not). So if the OP is looking for a deal and wants to take their chances – so be it. If they are looking to be pioneers in an improving neighborhood – There are much better and safer options than living next to the projects.
If that makes me a racist, so be it.
u know all you people with negative comments
make me sick. you probably never grew up,i mean really grew up in new york.
ALSO YOU ALL SOUND REALLY BRAVE HIDING BEHIND A GUEST POSTING.yeah right
SISSYS.
and as far as the posting about blowing them up.
i would like to know were you live.
so i can blow up your building
WITH JUST YOU IN IT.LOL UR SUCH A CONFEDRATE,RACIST,LOSER, go back to were u came from .
and you know who i am notice no GUEST posting.
to SHA 4 the area is not as bad as it use to be.there is much more of police presence then there has ever been .
jus ask me if you have ?
brooklyn for life .
I would never live anywhere near a city project if I had it my way I would blow them up ( with the people in it of course ).