Spotlight 5th Ave: Eyesore Hanging On By Thread
Driving down Fifth Avenue in Park Slope last week, we were struck at what an eyesore this corner of Fifth Avenue and Ninth Street is and were surprised that some crafty developer hadn’t figured out a way to get his hands on this prime spot. Anyone know what the hold-up is? GMAP
Driving down Fifth Avenue in Park Slope last week, we were struck at what an eyesore this corner of Fifth Avenue and Ninth Street is and were surprised that some crafty developer hadn’t figured out a way to get his hands on this prime spot. Anyone know what the hold-up is? GMAP
whats up with dissing on the cornerstore bodega. this is a staple of life and should be celebrated not demolished. soon you won’t be able to get a snapple for a 1.25 a water for a dollar, any newspaper in most languages, a cup of coffe for 75 cents, a pack of gum, aspirin, on the cheap, its fast and convenient. Its bad enough that corner is littered with 3 or 4 bix box pharmacies – all competing with overinflated prices. long live the bodega!
Yente, “Why does everything have to be gentrified?”
Answer: “It’s all about the Benjamins baby!!!”
Re: FAR
Maybe not everyone drools at the prospect of knocking down a building and putting up a bigger one, or adding on to the existing.
I was at Pacifico the other night for dinner and I think they are using their space just fine. The decks and low building give the restaurant character, and if they decided to go FAR crazy and put in some big building, I wouldn’t want to go to Pacifico. The food is good, but I go there mainly for the space.
I have neither a car or a license. I get every where via public transportation and only occasionally take a cab. If NYC had dedicated bike lanes (like ex: Amsterdam) then I would bike, but the traffic in NYC is just to zany, I’m safe walking, bussing or subwaying my way around.
I’ve always wondered if the group of restaurants on Smith & Pacific (Gravy, Pacifico, La Rosa, Trout Bar) were some sort of a real estate play. Same owner, one story, low budget hip renovations but lots of FAR in great location. I’d be sad so see them go since I like all of them but they are a mystery.
It does seem mystery sometimes why these single story bldgs exist in what would seem lots that would have real development potential.
I live off Smith and plenty of examples there – Pacific, Warren, Douglass(very large parcel-completely unused), etc.
5th Ave south of 9th is beginning to change. The old Salvation Army building is gone. Other dumps are for sale. The old Dee & Dee store is being turned into apartments — either for rent or sale (don’t know). Kinara, Commonwealth, and Buttermilk are signs of the future. That said, it still has a way to go and those of use who live by 5th are very jealous of 7th Ave in the South Slope.
I agree with John Ife at 11:49. Why does everything have to be gentrified? I miss my old Brooklyn!
As ususal, posters can’t stop themselves from being inflamatory.
While the shops south of 9th street on 5th avenue may not be aesthetically pleasing, they actually sell useful items, unlike most of the north slope (where I live). I particularly recommend Eagle Provisions, a polish supermarket btw 17th and 18th for good quality and value meats, sausages, pierogis, etc. Worth a 63 bus ride. Let the wife and kids walk or bike for a change of pace.
As for new developments, there are plenty. I actually find these a bit ambititous given the lack of yuppy trappings in the area. (The bars mentioned above notwhithstanding) The chief attraction I see are spectacular harbor views for the higher floors. I also dig the the cemetary, but I can never tell whether the market views it as a plus or a minus.