January 2008
January 31, 2008
Thursday Blogwrap
Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Photo by I like green.
Brooklyn-based Etsy Raises $27 Million in Fourth Round [Dumbo NYC]
Forbes: New York in Top 5 Most Miserable Cities [Gothamist]
On Beard Street: Swedish Family Seeks Members [Curbed]
Improvements at Boerum Hill Post Office? [GL]
NY Sun Grades Private Schools [Brooklyn Heights Blog]
A Tour of Cambridge [CH Blog]
Closing Bell: The Psychology of Pricing a House
Round numbers may be bad for business when it comes to selling a house, according to three profs from Cornell University. The current issue of The Atlantic Monthly picks up the story:
The authors showed their subjects a listing for a house along with various prices, and asked whether those prices seemed high or low. Precise prices like $391,534 were seen as cheaper than round ones like $390,000, even though the round prices were actually lower. The authors then examined more than 27,000 real-estate transactions on Long Island and in South Florida and discovered the same effect at work in real-life deals. In South Florida, having at least one zero at the end of the list price lowered the final sale price by about 0.72 percent compared with houses listed at a similar price, three zeros lowered it by 0.73 percent, and each additional zero lowered it another 0.39 percent.
Can any readers back this up with anecdotal evidence?
Primary Sources: Pound Foolish [The Atlantic]
Today on the Forum
Here are some of the items posted recently on the Brownstoner Forum:
Info Needed About This Wincroft Stove
What's the Best Site for Mortgage Calculations?
Need Help Valuing 242 Washington Avenue
Help Hanging TV and Doing Plasterwork?
Suggestions for Tenant Background Checks?
How To Find Out if Property Has Liens?
StreetLevel: Weather Up on Vanderbilt
As the pic above shows, the interior of Weather Up—the fancy new cocktail bar on Vanderbilt between Dean and Bergen that’s scheduled to open in a few weeks—is looking just about complete. The white tile motif has been extended to the outside of the bar (see photo on jump), and one of the business’s partners told Grub Street he wanted to make the former storefront church into something of a “jewel box.” Weather Up comes c/o one of East Side Company Bar's original investors, and Sasha Petraske (the mastermind behind Milk & Honey and Little Branch) is consulting on the bar’s drinks, according to an Eater report.
Cocktail Stirrings on Vanderbilt [Brownstoner] GMAP
ProHi Secret Bar Update [Eater]
Prospect Heights Cocktail Den Promises Back Garden, Oysters [Grub St.]
House of the Day: 10% Off at 155 Warren Street
A 10% price reduction might not sound like all that much, but when the original asking price was $8,750,000, as in the case of 155 Warren Street, it translates into "savings" of $875,000. Judging from the 134 comments this generated as a House of the Day in October, however, we're guessing that popular opinion will still be that the new number of $7,875,000 is still a pie-in-the-sky price. Given that it's still coming in at over $1,100 a foot, we'd tend to agree.
155 Warren Street [Brown Harris Stevens] GMAP P*Shark
House of the Day: $8.75 Million in Cobble Hill? [Brownstoner]
Condos of the Day: 134 St. Marks Place
It’s tough to beat this new Scarano-designed condo in the North Slope for proximity to Fifth Avenue retail and all the subway lines at Atlantic (not to mention that as new construction, it’s something of a rare bird in this neck of the woods). That said, buyers don’t seem to be falling all over themselves to ink deals here: The development’s been listed for a few months now and Corcoran's website isn’t showing any units in contract. The seven listings are running between $535,000 and $565,000 for the one-bedroom, one-baths; around $740,000 for the two units that top 1,000 square feet; and $995,000 for the biggest unit, a 1,352-sf two-bedroom, two-bath. 134 St. Marks’ pricing is similar to what units at the Crest and Novo were asking, and (for our money, anyway), 134’s location is a lot better—so we wonder why more of these aren’t in contract. (Market jitters? Uninspired interiors?) Anyone checked them out?
134 Saint Marks Place [Corcoran]
134 Saint Marks Place [Brownstoner] GMAP
Development Watch: 144 South 4th Street
Just down the block from our first apartment in Brooklyn, a ten-story residential building is in the early stages of development. Designed by Nataliya Donskoy, a Scarano protege responsible for the makeover of 140 Degraw Street, the structure is planned to include 75 units over 134,000 square feet. An adjacent existing building on the same zoning lot will be reborn as a commercial property with the off-street parking required by the apartments. This should be a doozy. GMAP P*Shark DOB
Inside Third & Bond: Week 22
Today the folks at The Hudson Companies try to put aside their worries about the economy and discuss all the marketing decisions that loom on the horizon.
Our demolition is done, we’re revising the pile design, bidding out the plans to subcontractors, and negotiating construction financing terms. We’re gearing up for the construction phase as we warily view all the ongoing economic indicators. While we appreciate that condo sales are still strong and interest rates are way down, we don’t feel the least bit relaxed. And it’s at this juncture of a project, that we begin to turn our focus to the next big thing in our project planning…..marketing.
“Marketing”—the very word probably brings major eye rolling to many a Brownstoner reader...
AY Demos: 626 Pacific Going; Ward Bakery May Be Next
Whether or not Bruce Ratner is actually sweating Atlantic Yards financing right now (on that subject, this Daily Intelligencer article by Chris Smith is a good read), it doesn't seem like anything's going to stop the bulldozers in Prospect Heights over the next couple of weeks. Here's what's set to fall:
1. 626 Pacific Street: Demolition is starting on this red-brick warehouse, which is right next to Casa de Goldstein. GMAP
2. Carlton Avenue Bridge: According to this week's ESD press release on Atlantic Yards construction activity, workers are going to begin demolishing the southern portion of the bridge. As shown in the pic above, the bridge is now completely blocked off. GMAP
3. Ward Bakery Building: The ESD says "mobilization for demolition" of the warehouse, where a section of the parapet collapsed in April, will begin over the next couple of weeks. Last year, there was an unsuccessful drive to save the building. GMAP
These are in addition to 647 Dean Street, whose last gasps we chronicled a couple weeks back.
Williamsburg’s Goody-Goody Greenbelt
The marketers behind a new Williamsburg condo called Greenbelt are really pushing the condo’s eco- and artist-friendly features. The Greenbelt team says the eight-unit building 361 Manhattan Avenue is expected to receive an LEED Gold rating and save around 46 percent of a standard building’s energy costs (its many green bells and whistles include a solar energy collector on the roof and a passive heat recovery system). The building is also going to have a 4,000-square-foot, nonprofit performing arts center on the ground floor. So it’s definitely got great credentials—but will it sell? The units are mostly two-bedrooms; the single, 710-square-foot top-floor one-bedroom is going for $599,000, while the two-bedrooms topping 1,000 square feet are going for between $759,000 and $815,000. The healthy sales at the green condo in the South Slope, 515 Fifth Avenue, certainly indicate that the market is receptive to eco-friendly builds—we’ll find out if that’s true in the Burg, too.
Greenbelt [Homepage] GMAP
Greenbelt Listings [Apts and Lofts]
Williamsburg's Greenbelt Getting Green [Curbed]
Strong Place Church Construction Update
Over the weekend, Michael Ingui of Baxt Ingui Architects sent in a progress report on the Strong Place Church conversion that the firm is overseeing. Below is a condensed version.
The Strong Place Church is going very well, but a little slow. It has been incredibly challenging to keep the church standing. The contractor and engineer devised an elaborate structural steel system that spanned the entire width of the church so that they could complete structural concrete work below. After the concrete foundation work was competed at the side walls the permanent structural steel above was installed. This was an incredibly time-consuming task, adding many weeks to the timeline, because the steel workers needed to carefully thread the massive pieces of steel through the maze of shoring steel. Once the steel was in place at the sides they removed the shoring steel so that work could commence in the center portion of the church.
Despite Strides, Not Everyone Happy with the DOB
Although construction site tragedies like the one yesterday in Clinton Hill and the death a few weeks ago at Trump Soho have led some to renew calls for reform at the Department of Buildings—the most strident so far has come from Councilman/mayoral candidate Tony Avella, who wants DOB Commissioner Patricia Lancaster to resign—the department just released a report detailing stepped-up vigilance. The report notes that far fewer building applications are being professionally certified (or signed off on by an agent of the developer rather than the DOB), with the number of professionally certified applications for new buildings decreasing by 32.7 percent from this time last year. DOB inspectors are also issuing more violations: The number of violation citations rose from 11,979 to 12,332 between the first half of fiscal year ’07 and the first half of this fiscal year. Although the DOB is clearly trying to clean up its act, there’s widespread dissatisfaction with its operations. An excellent article in City Limits examines the matter, and the general consensus among building professionals and politicians is that the DOB needs more funding and construction workers need more training. The story quotes Louis Coletti, president of the Building Trades Employers' Association, who says, “DOB has always been reactive…They need more resources.”
BREAKING: Worker Killed at 525 Clinton Avenue [Brownstoner]
Trying to Make it Safer to Do a Dangerous Job [City Limits]
Photo by Tracy Collins
Violet Tide Coming to Downtown?
Downtown Brooklyn might become something of a college town. According to a report in Washington Square News, NYU's new 25-year expansion plan includes taking around 1 million square feet of space in Downtown Brooklyn. While NYU hasn't released details about how it would expand across the East River, the plans are presumably tied to the school's merger with Polytechnic (though the school already snatched up some graduate housing at 67 Livingston on its own). It's unclear whether the university would build new facilities or whether it would merely use existing space. Think this is good news for the rapidly transforming area? From a supply-demand perspective, it seems like it could only bolster the market.
NYU plans expansion into Govs Isle, Brooklyn [Washington Sq. News]
Downtown Brooklyn in Transition [Brownstoner]
Photo of Downtown by chickitykd.
Thursday Events
Joanna Newsom at BAM
Today and tomorrow, Joanna Newsom performs her album Ys alongside members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic as part of the "BP Presents" series. Michael Christie conducts. A set with her band follows. Thursday and Friday, 8:00 p.m. $25 to $55. Brooklyn’s Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Avenue. (718) 636-4100.
Tipping Points Panel
Tonight, Pratt Institute hosts a panel entitled "Tipping Points: Art, Design, Architecture, Politics, and Civic Engagement." Susan Szenasy, editor in chief of Metropolis Magazine, moderates; Panelists include councilmember Letitia James; Assistant Commissioner for Urban Art and Planning Wendy Feuer; Laurie Kerr of the Mayor's Office for Long Term Planning and Sustainability; Blaise Backer, director of the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project; Habana Outpost owner Sean Meenan; Deborah Marton, Executive Director of the Design Trust for Public Space; and Coordinator of Pratt's EMS program Eva Hanhardt. A reception will follow. Thursday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Higgins Hall, Pratt Institute (southeast corner of Lafayette Avenue and St. James Place).
CB1 Landmarks Committee Meeting
Tonight CB1 Landmarks Committee will get a look at CPC's proposed alterations and additions to the Domino Sugar Factory. 435 Graham Avenue, 6:30 p.m.
Have an event you think we should list? Send it along to events@brownstoner.com.
Thursday Links
Park Slope. Photo by redheadedjesus.
Fed Moves Again, Cutting Key Rate by Half a Point [NY Times]
Quarter’s Weak Growth Adds to Signs of Slowdown [NY Times]
Congestion Pricing Plan Is Panned in Albany [NY Times]
Wind Knocks Worker Off Clinton Hill Scaffold [NY Daily News]
Bklyn Cyclist Death Sparks Fundraising [NY Daily News]
What Does the Future Hold For NYC Hotels? [NY Sun]
New Website Monitors NYC Blocks [NY Sun]
Every School Takes a Budget Hit [NY Post]
Tips For Taking Over a Lease [NY Post]
January 30, 2008
Wednesday Blogwrap
Windsor Terrace. Photo by lemontwothree.
Gothamist Turns 5, Win Tickets to our Show! [Gothamist]
Windsor Terrace Dog-Napping Victim Found! [GL]
What’s up with the Von King Park Dog Run? [Bed Stuy Blog]
Fulton: Armpit of the Neighborhood [CH Blog]
Dumbo Turning Greener [Dumbo NYC]
Brooklyn Brews [Curbed]
Closing Bell: It's Good To Be The King
Of Dumbo, that is. As if his Clocktower pad wasn't already sweet enough, David Walentas recently had work completed on the solarium, just in time to avoid any pesky dealings with the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
1 Main Street Rooftop Solarium [Dumbo NYC] GMAP
Today on the Renovation Blogs and Forum
There's one new post on the Renovation Blogs:
Taming the Jungle [Windsor Terrace Reno]
Here are some of the topics posted on the Forum today:
Digging a Well in Ditmas Park Backyard
Antique Marble Mantel For Sale
Do I Need a Buyer's Broker for Brooklyn Heights?
Someone to Fix Our Facade and Stoop?
Clinton Hill Condo or a Bed Stuy Brownstone?
Installing Separate Heating Units in 3-Family?
StreetLevel: Baby Biz Out, Barber In on Fifth Ave.
The pace of retail turnover on Fifth Avenue shows no signs of slowing. However, at 143 Fifth off Douglass, the gentrification tide appears to be reversing: A good old-fashioned barber is going to replace the out-of-business perfume/body potion/candle shop. And right next door, the baby-toy and clothing store Romp is calling it quits after three years. (Romp fans will still be able to get their fix on the Web; the bricks-and-mortar location is shuttering because the store’s owner is moving away.) No word yet on what’s going to replace Romp. GMAP
UPDATE: Scaffold Collapse To Blame at 525 Clinton Avenue
According to an eyewitness, the man who was killed this morning on site at 525 Clinton Avenue was working on the interior of the top floor when the high winds created a wind-tunnel effect that allegedly blew him through the glass window and to his death. This is all the more surprising given our report last summer that the development was using a new, unusually thick (four inches) type of glass called Visionwall. The eyewitness reminded us that the winds can get especially bad in Clinton Hill because it is, after all, on a hill. Unbelievable.
UPDATE: Here's an update we just received from DOB:
Upon inspection, Buildings engineers and inspectors determined a three-frame pipe scaffold installed on the roof of the new building under construction had collapsed. Sections of the pipe scaffold collapsed onto the 2nd floor and 12th floor setbacks of the new building under construction. Preliminary reports indicate three workers on the pipe scaffold were performing stucco work on the exterior of the rooftop bulkhead at the time of the incident. The workers were employed by a sub-contractor, Bell Tower Enterprises, retained by the general contractor overseeing construction of the new building, Clinton Court Development LLC.
Given this new information, we're redacting the earlier eyewitness account until we can get more information.
BREAKING: Worker Killed at 525 Clinton Avenue [Brownstoner] GMAP
Photo by Gary Brubaker
House of the Day: 547 9th Street
At the asking price of $1,600,000, this three-story limestone at 547 9th Street in Park Slope is the best deal we've seen in a long, long time. The 3,000-square-foot two-family bay-front is located on a park block and dripping in historic details. The Orrichio Anderson listing says that the lower duplex will require a full renovation; since the floors, woodwork and walls all look in good shape, we assume they mean new bathrooms, kitchens, heating, etc. We bet $300,000 would go a long way here for someone with a little creativity and then look what you've got. Fantastic.
547 9th Street [NY Times] GMAP P*Shark
Rental of the Day: 126 4th Avenue
When we first posted about the big new rental on 4th Avenue and Baltic a couple of months ago, the general consensus about the building’s design was more or less summed up by one comment: “Beaten badly by the Ugly Stick. Again and again.” Nevertheless, the development brings the first batch of new-construction rentals to the Boerum Hill-Park Slope-Gowanus border area on 4th (the avenue has, of course, otherwise been flooded with condos builds), and so it’ll be interesting to see how much demand there is for these apartments. Listings have gone up for one- and two-bedroom units in the building at 126 4th Avenue (ready for move-ins by March), and they’re looking to get between $2,400 and $2,500 for the one-bedrooms and around $3,000 for the two-bedroom, 1-baths. Amenities include central air and many of the units have terraces, but tenants have to pay for their own utilities. Rosetta Farrell, the Heights Berkeley Realty agent who’s handling the listings, says the rents are standard for the area, and that she expects the apartments to be snapped up quickly given the dearth of new rentals in the Slope. “Considering all the amenities and the fact that it’s a new building, I think they’re very reasonable,” says Farrell.
126 4th Avenue (click thru for listings) [Heights Berkeley]
Development Watch: 126 4th Avenue [Brownstoner] GMAP
Interior shots from Heights Berkeley Realty.
BREAKING: Worker Killed at 525 Clinton Avenue
WNBC is reporting that a construction worker died this morning in a fall from a scaffolding at the 13-story work-in-progress at 525 Clinton Avenue in Clinton Hill; a second worker is reportedly injured. The accident occurred at about 10 a.m., after the DOB had issued safety warnings about the high winds. Is anyone nearby with a camera?
Construction Worker Dies After Fall From Scaffolding [WNBC] GMAP P*Shark
Development Watch: 525 Clinton Avenue Check-In [Brownstoner] DOB
Development Watch: 525 Clinton Avenue [Brownstoner]
525 Clinton Avenue Looking Good [Brownstoner]
525 Clinton Gets Its Glass On [Brownstoner]
Tower Rising at 525 Clinton Avenue [Brownstoner]
Photo by Tracy Collins
Just Sold in Brooklyn
WILLIAMSBURG $1,470,000
10 Orient Avenue GMAP
Two-family townhouse, 3,000 square feet, with three-bedroom, one-bath duplex over two-bedroom, two-bath duplex with basement, exposed brick, four decorative fireplaces, tin ceilings, patio and garage. Taxes $2,400. Asking price $1,599,000, on market six months. Brokers: Pamela Fica, DJK Residential and Beth Kenkel, The Corcoran Group.
EAST FLATBUSH $150,000
745 E. 31st Street GMAP
One-bedroom, one-bath co-op, 900 square feet, with nursery and kitchen with dinette and new appliances; building features parking. Maintenance $560. Asking price $157,000, on market four months. Broker: Peter Modica, Fillmore Real Estate.
PROSPECT HEIGHTS $680,000
457 Prospect Place GMAP
Two bedroom, two-bath duplex condo, 1,400 square feet, with renovated eat-in kitchen, renovated bath, washer/dryer and central AC; building features storage and roof deck. Common charges $261, taxes $27. Asking price $725,000, on market 16 weeks. Broker: Trey Borzillieri, The Developers Group.
Just Sold! [NY Post]
Photo of 10 Orient Ave. by Scott Bintner for Property Shark.
Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up
Early Controversy Over Favela
Corner of South 5th and Wythe, Williamsburg
Eater's roving photographer, Will Femia, snapped this photo of the future home of a Brazilian restaurant called Favela, and The Gurgling Cod already has a beef with the restaurant's name: "Call me crazy, but I don't think you could get away with a soul food (or Polish) restaurant called 'Ghetto.'" Is something getting lost in translation here?
Opening on February 14: Amy Ruth's
372-374 Fulton Street (Fulton Mall), Downtown Brooklyn
"Amorous couples will dine on sauteed chicken liver and braised chitlens on Valentine’s Day at the new Amy Ruth’s on Fulton Mall — but if they need booze to get in a romantic mood, they’ll have to go somewhere else. That’s because the well-known Harlem soul food restaurant won’t have its liquor license when it opens its new location in the old Gage & Tollner site on Feb. 14." [The Brooklyn Paper]
Closed: Second Street Cafe
189 7th Avenue (at Second Street), Park Slope
"The women who work at Met Food said the rent was too high. Another local shopkeeper said that they weren't making any money. Maybe the renovation did them in. A neighbor saw the tall, white haired owner crying... So sudden. So strange. The block between 2nd and 3rd Street on Seventh Avenue has had three closings in two months (Tempo Presto, Seventh Avenue Books, Second Street Cafe). Park Slope Books will be out in March." [OTBKB]
After the jump: Trader Joe's progress report, a beer bar for Park Slope, a "jewel box" for Prospect Heights, brick oven pizza for Clinton Hill, and Harvey Wallbanger arrives in Williamsburg...
Foreclosures of the Week: Bed-Stuy on the Block
In keeping with reports that ID Bedford-Stuyvesant as having some of the highest foreclosure rates in the city, most of the houses Property Shark showcases in its foreclosure listings are in the Stuy. The 2,040-square-foot house at 463 Lafayette last sold in ’06 for $710,000 and has a relatively small lien of $198,744. The house at 489 Madison Street, by contrast, last sold for $800,000 in ’05, and it has a much larger lien of $672,268. Auctions for both are scheduled to take place this Thursday at 3 p.m. in Room 274 Of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street.
463 Lafayette Avenue [Property Shark] GMAP
489 Madison Street [Property Shark] GMAP
Anyone Want a Brownstoner Sweatshirt?
Last week on a whim we popped into Neighborhoodies at 26 Jay Street in Dumbo and ordered a blue American Apparel sweatshirt with "Brownstoner" hand-sewn on the front. It was done in 24 hours and we've barely taken it off since. It wasn't exactly cheap, so we figured we'd give any interested readers a chance to get a group discount. Check out the selection of Classic Lite colors and sizes and then drop us an email at brownstoner@brownstoner.com with your preference. (Note: Like most American Apparel items, these sweatshirts are cut on the slim side.) We'll aggregate all the orders and pass along to Neighborhoodies, who will handle all the billing and delivery. Depending on the response, each sweatshirt should end up costing somewhere in the $40 to $45 range.
Condo Conversion for 283 Washington Avenue
The five-story brownstone at 283 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill, which last changed hands for $1,670,000 in 2005, will soon be reborn as the Cherry Tree Condos, according to a sign in the house's front yard. A peek at DOB filings suggests it will consist of five units. Brooklyn Properties will have the listing, but there's nothing on its website yet. Anyone know anything else? GMAP P*Shark DOB
Brooklyn Bridge Park: It’s a Go!
After many years and countless delays, construction on Brooklyn Bridge Park began this week, according to a statement released by BBP Corporation President Regina Myer. Site prep for the first phase of the project—which includes the demolition of five pier shed buildings, the Purchase Building, and a few other buildings—started on Monday. The first phase is expected to last nine months. Update: As of 9:40 this morning, there was no action at the Purchase Building. Anyone have a view of the piers? We'd love a photo...
Brooklyn Bridge Park Construction Begins [NY Sun]
Amidst Lingering Controversy, BBP Construction to Begin [Brownstoner]
Brooklyn Bridge Park Meeting: The Morning After [Brownstoner]
Impact of BQE Reno on Brooklyn Bridge Park Unclear [Brownstoner]
BBP rendering from BrooklynBridgePark.org.
Brooklyn Apartments No Bargain Compared to Manhattan
While it’s not exactly breaking news that rents in Park Slope and Williamsburg are very high, did you know that median rents in the two neighborhoods are steeper than they are in Hell’s Kitchen and the Lower East Side? The Observer has an article this morning about how rents in A-list Brooklyn neighborhoods continue to rise while prices in the Manhattan rental market begin to dip—taken together, the trends suggest that Brooklyn’s days of being an affordable alternative to Manhattan are long gone (as if anyone needed a newspaper to tell them that!). According to listings on StreetEasy, the median monthly rent in Park Slope is $3,050, while Williamsburg’s median is $2,900. Both numbers are higher than the median rent on the Lower East Side ($2,700). In addition, rents in prime Brooklyn neighborhoods have gone up at a startling pace over the past couple of years: The median rent for Park Slope in ’05 was a comparatively affordable $1,090. Conclusion, per the article: "Queens, anyone?"
Park Slope Living at Manhattan Rents! [NY Observer]
Photo by DEDE_LE
Wednesday Events
Freegan Bike Workshop
Every Wednesday and Saturday, 123 Community Space offers workshops that teach how to build bicycles from found bike parts. An open interest meeting precedes the Wednesday workshops. Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. interest meeting. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. workshop. 123 Tompkins Avenue (between Myrtle and Willoughby).
Golden Gloves
Golden Gloves returns to Dumbo for the first time since 1991. Refreshments may be purchased at the RICE concessions. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. doors; 7:00 p.m. first bout. $25 general admission; $15 for USABoxing Amateurs (license required). St. Ann’s Warehouse, 38 Water Street.
Have an event you think we should list? Send it along to events@brownstoner.com.
Wednesday Links
Cobble Hill. Photo by xymox.
FBI Launches Probe Into Subprime Industry [WSJ]
Bay Ridge Vets Battle Health Dept. [NY Daily News]
Circuit City Coming to the Junction [Brooklyn Eagle]
Councilman Wants NYC to Secede [NY Sun]
HDC Responds to AIA Proposal [HDCN]
Cyclist Deaths at 8-Year High [Streetsblog]
A Legal Tool for Tenants [Gotham Gazette]
Rats Rattle Marty [NY Post]
January 29, 2008
Tuesday Blogwrap
475 Kent. Photo by jteore.
Brooklyn DA's Office Throws Out Mourners' Arrests [Gothamist]
340 Court vs. Prague Bldg: Separated at Birth? [GL]
What Happened to Second Street? [OTBKB]
Take the Hot Karl Challenge [Curbed]
Revisiting Autour du Monde [CH Blog]
Today on the Renovation Blogs and Forum
There's one new post on the Renovation Blogs:
Happy Accidents and Other Progress [Windsor Terrace Reno]
Here are some of the topics posted on the Forum today:
Getting a Handle on Building Code
Getting In Early on a Co-op Conversion?
Need an Inspector with HVAC Expertise
Is One Spindle Per Stair Tread Up to Code?
Landscape Gardener Recommendations for Townhouse?
Need a Permit to Make a New Bathroom?
Streetlevel: Brick Oven Pizza for Wallabout
The block of Washington Avenue between Flushing and Park (one of our favorites in the area) will take another step forward with the opening this spring of a brick over pizza restaurant at 37 Washington Avenue. Actually, it's more of a re-opening, as the same duo that's operated the slightly more down-market Brooklyn's Best Pizzeria for the past 14 years is behind the new joint. Clinton Hill Blog reports that the new incarnation will be called Il Porto and will be operating a sidewalk cafe in the warmer months; according to CHB, an April opening is targeted.
Brick Oven Pizza Coming to Wallabout [Clinton Hill Blog] GMAP
House of the Day: 275 Adelphi Street
Since 181 Washington Park sold last year for more than $3 million, that's become the magic number for any homeowner in the area fantasizing about cashing out. Take 275 Adelphi Street, a five-story brownstone just three blocks away. Purchased in 2003 for $1,300,000, the three-family house has had a high-end renovation in the mean-time and is back on the market now for $2,995,000. There are no real nits to pick here. Time to just sit back and let the market do its work.
275 Adelphi Street [Corcoran] GMAP P*Shark
At Rally, News of Carroll Gardens Downzoning Progress
About 50 people (and one well-dressed canine) showed at Borough Hall this morning to support the drive to downzone Carroll Gardens. Council Member Bill de Blasio organized the rally, and he had some big news to share: The Department of City Planning has officially committed to studying a downzoning of the neighborhood. The news comes hot on the heels of Planning’s announcement that it would initiate a a zoning text amendment to impose height limitations on 1st through 4th Place. De Blasio is also pushing for the city to impose building height limitations of 50 feet while the downzoning is studied. “We want to limit heights until a legal downzoning goes through,” de Blasio said at the rally. Representatives of Assemblywoman Nydia Velazquez and Assemblywoman Joan Millman also spoke in support of the downzoning, as did Gary Reilly of the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association. “What attracts people to the neighborhood is its low scale,” said Reilly. “We want to prevent Carroll Gardens from becoming the next Williamsburg, with developers throwing up buildings willy-nilly.” De Blasio noted that downzonings typically take a year to a year and a half to push through, and time is of the essence in terms of downzoning Carroll Gardens since the clock is ticking on the current administration's term.
Prelude to a Downzone in Carroll Gardens? [Brownstoner]
Update on Carroll Gardens Development Issues [Brownstoner]
Condos of the Day: Price Pressure at The Beacon
Most of the units at The Beacon in Dumbo appear to have been sold by now. The last seven apartments, however, are presenting a challenge to marketers. (Corcoran has six of the units, Elliman one.) Five of the seven have already had price reductions, including, most recently, Apartment 20B, a 947-square-foot space that was just cut from $890,000 to $825,000. Given the high floor and the relatively low price per square foot for the area, we could see this moving at the new price. On a side note, we noticed when perusing the past sales that one investor (a Boerum Hill liquor store owner, as far as we can tell) was responsible for buying eight of the units. Interesting.
85 Adams Street Listings [Street Easy] GMAP P*Shark
Photo by Atomic LLC
Development Watch: 31 Kosciusko Street
Despite being just down the block from 192 Spencer, this new 12-story building at 31 Kosciusko Street has managed to fly under our radar for the past several months. We don't know much about it (neither the architect nor the owner rang a bell) other than that it's slated to contain 23 units over a gross area of 27,000 square feet. Details anyone? GMAP P*Shark DOB
Checking In With Magic's Green Street Condos
After some noise complaints and worries about damage to a neighboring building, Magic Johnson's 130-unit condo development at 100 Green Street in Greenpoint appears to be in high gear. A reader who lives nearby wrote in to report that the west side of the building is just about topped out (it's going to be six stories). We're curious to see what the market's going to be like for a luxury development in this corner of North Brooklyn when it's ready to go, presumably later this spring or summer. Waddya think?
Magic Johnson Planning Greenpoint Project [NY Post] GMAP P*Shark
Magic's Greenpoint Bldg Gets Foul, Refuses to Go to Bench? [Curbed]
The Latest (g)Rumblings at 110 Green Street [NY Shitty]
Last Week’s Biggest Sales in Brooklyn
Here are the top five residential sales recorded in city records for Brooklyn last week. Several House of the Day alums made the list, and the Bay Ridge house was (somewhat surprisingly) the only big-ticket non-brownstone Brooklyn sale:
1. COBBLE HILL $2,563,000
21 Tompkins Place GMAP
3,375-sf landmark building; deal recorded on 1/23.
2. PARK SLOPE $2,352,000
207 Berkeley Place GMAP
Former HOTD; 4-story, 2-family house; deal recorded on 1/22.
3. BAY RIDGE $2,250,000
8375 Shore Road GMAP
2,460-sf townhouse built circa 1920; deal recorded on 1/24.
4. COBBLE HILL $2,200,000
44 Strong Place GMAP
Former HOTD; 4,000-sf, 22-foot wide brownstone; deal recorded on 1/22.
5. PROSPECT HEIGHTS $2,200,000
202 Prospect Place GMAP
Former HOTD; 4-story, 2-family brownstone listed at $2,495,000; deal recorded on 1/22.
Photo of 22 Tompkins Place by Kate Leonova for Property Shark.
What the Heck Is Going On in Carroll Gardens?
This is getting weird. Despite a softening market all around, there's been a rash of new listings in Carroll Gardens that have defied all logic and precedent. Starting with 44 1st Place (which in retrospect is probably the best deal of the lot) for $3,842,500, they've just kept coming: A 3,100-square-foot house at 78 3rd Place for $3,495,000? A 16-foot-wide one at 40 2nd Place for $2,800,000? And now a three-story house at 329 President Street for a $3,600,000? What is going on here? One common denominator: Corcoran is the listing agent on all these places except for 1st Place. Coincidence or conspiracy?
329 President Street [Corcoran] GMAP
HOTD: 40 2nd Place [Brownstoner]
HOTD: 78 3rd Place [Brownstoner]
HOTD: 44 1st Place [Brownstoner]
475 Kent Avenue: How It All Began
It all started with a standpipe. When the Fire Department passed by for a routine inspection of the sidewalk in front of 475 Kent Avenue last week, they discovered a rusted, non-working pipe. This led them to follow the pipe down to its source in the basement, where they were greeted with a sea of grain boxes piled high to the ceiling. According to one building resident, this was done to gain economies of scale in the kosher certification process: The larger the stockpiles of grain, the less often a rabbi would have to shlep over to bless it. The result: A barely navigable maze of boxes, a fire hazard only compounded by the lack of proper electricity and water sources.
Big Showing From Pols at 475 Kent Vigil [Brownstoner]
Closing Bell: Moving Out at 475 Kent Avenue [Brownstoner]
‘Commune of Creative Types’ in the Burg is Emptied Out [Brownstoner]
475 Kent Message Board [475kent.com] GMAP
Photo by Drew Catlin
Pols Rallying for Residential Parking Permits
This Monday, several City Council Members and a number of neighborhood groups are holding a forum for Brooklynites to chew on the idea of residential parking permits. The town hall-style meeting will focus on whether the permits, which would probably cost a small annual fee, could help alleviate curbside parking problems and traffic in Downtown. Council Members David Yassky, Letitia James and Bill de Blasio have organized the event, which is expected to draw several hundred residents, and DOT comish Janette Sadik-Khan is scheduled to attend. Councilman de Blasio sees the forum as the first step in developing parking strategies for all of Brooklyn. "Lack of a coherent parking strategy has been an ongoing problem in Brooklyn,” de Blasio told us. “I think this forum represents a step in the right direction, and I look forward to extending this conversation to communities throughout the borough.” Regardless of the fate of congestion pricing—which would almost certainly increase competition for spots—Downtown’s population is expected to swell in coming years, thus exacerbating the already great demand for curbside parking spaces. Councilman Yassky said “it is long past time” for New York to consider adopting the permits, especially in Downtown. “Other big cities have used this strategy successfully to reduce traffic and ease parking difficulties,” he said. “Four years ago, when the Bloomberg Administration was seeking approval for new development around Metrotech, Deputy Mayor Doctoroff promised—in writing—that the administration would try residential parking permits in the surrounding neighborhoods. The administration needs to make good on this promise.”
The forum will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 4th, at the St. Francis College auditorium on Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights.
Congestion Pricing and Resident Permit Parking [Brownstoner]
Photo by mike lowe.
Watchtower Divestment Continues: The Bossert on the Block
After putting six of its Brooklyn Heights properties on the market last spring, the Watchtower Group announced yesterday that it would also be selling one of its crown jewels in the area, the Bossert at 98 Montague Street. In its typical fashion, the religious organization didn't set an asking price for the 14-story former hotel. Instead, it's issuing a Request for Best Offer. Known as the "Waldorf Astoria of Brooklyn" in its day, the 200,000-square-foot building is currently divided into 224 apartments. Predictions for the sales price?
Good Lord! Watchtower Divesting Six Heights Props [Brownstoner] GMAP
Tuesday Events
Carroll Gardens Rezoning Rally
Today, join Councilmember Bill de Blasio, Assemblymember Joan Millman, The Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association, Carroll Gardens Coalition For Respectful Development, Baltic & Warren Neighbors, Columbia Waterfront Neighborhood Association and The Union-Sackett Association at the Brooklyn City Planning Office. The rally is for support of a new resolution calling upon the Department of City Planning to immediately commence a downzoning study of Carroll Gardens. The resolution also calls upon the Department of Buildings to implement procedures to protect the neighborhood character until the downzoning is complete. Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. Brooklyn City Planning Office, 16 Court Street. For info, call Tom Gray at (718) 854-9791.
Have an event you think we should list? Send it along to events@brownstoner.com.
Tuesday Links
Franklin Street. Photo by markamav.
Spitzer Reneged on Aid to City, Bloomberg Says [NY Times]
Sales of New Homes Fell By Record 26% in '07 [NY Times]
Higher Costs May Curtail M.T.A. Work [NY Times]
Ratner Can Pull Out of AY Without Penalty [NY Post]
Brownsville Infant Deaths Rise [NY Daily News]
Atlantic Yards: The Play? [NY Daily News]
Panel Mulls Foreclosure Fixes [Brooklyn Eagle]
The Graphics of Subprime [Matrix]
January 28, 2008
Monday Blogwrap
Winter on Washington Park. Photo by timotheee1.
Atlantic Ave Urban Outfitters Far From Finished [Racked]
Brick Oven Pizza Coming to Wallabout [CH Blog]
2nd Street Cafe Closing Followup [GL]
Fotos: Cypress Avenue Garages [Bushwick BK]
New Storefront on Dekalb [Bed Stuy Blog]
Move Ins at Burg's North8 [Curbed]
Closing Bell: Myrtle Building Boom from Above
Two different readers happened to send in these cool shots of the development activity along Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Ashland Place in the last few days. In the upper right of the top photo, BFC's 37-story tower at 150 Myrtle Avenue is in the lead with five stories of steel under its belt. The race for second place is close. The 660-unit development from John Catsimatidis' Apple Group (upper left) is winning, though it had a big head start over upstart Avalon Bay, which has been in demolition overdrive for the past month in preparation for erecting 650 rental apartments. Can't wait to see what this view looks like a year from now! Below, the view from the southeast, with the Apple Group project in the foreground, BFC to the left and Avalon at top.
New Details on 150 Myrtle Avenue [Brownstoner] GMAP
Catsimatidis on Myrtle Revealed [Brownstoner] GMAP
So That's What Avalon Myrtle Will Look Like! [Brownstoner] GMAP
Today on the Forum
Here are some of the items posted recently on the Brownstoner Forum:
Restoring and Reusing Porcelain Door Knobs
Have Any $3 Million Listings in Slope Actually Sold?
Recommendation for a New Gas Supplier?
Converting 2-Family + Store to a 3-Family
What To Do? Landlord Not Paying Utilities
Above Streetlevel: Times Renews at 16 Court
As SL Green starts to revamp the empty spaces and lobby at 16 Court Street, which the firm acquired last year for $107.5 million, at least one high-profile tenant has re-upped its lease for the next five years. The New York Times renewed its lease for 1,174 square feet of space in the building through August 2012. The Times uses the space for the Brooklyn component of its editorial division, according to a rep for SL Green. Though the terms of the lease weren’t disclosed, SL Green's website shows that most of the space in the building is available for between $40 and $45 a foot. SL Green, which is Manhattan’s largest office landlord, has announced plans to completely refurbish 16 Court and offer pre-built, state-of-the-art office spaces; the latter move is meant to attract smaller tenants. GMAP
House of the Day: 462 Henry Street
The brownstone at 462 Henry Street in Cobble Hill, which was shown for the first time yesterday, changed hands in late 2004 for $1,500,000. Since then, the owners have done a very high-end renovation of the lower owner's duplex; there are three rental apartments on the top two floors. So, nice house, nice location, but is it gonna fetch the full asking price of $2,500,000 in this market? The closest comp is 459 Henry Street across the street, a house in much worse shape which sold last year for $1,730,000. Did anyone go to the open house?
462 Henry Street [Douglas Elliman] GMAP P*Shark
Condos of the Day: Price Cuts at Forte
The same forces that have led to recent price cuts and rental reversions in the Downtown area are also bleeding over into the BAM Cultural District, where the Clarett Group (a long-time advertiser on Brownstoner) just started cutting prices on some of the Forte's 110 units. Two bedrooms that used to be in the $750,000 range just got about $100,000 cheaper. The 1,059-square-foot Apartment 8D, for example, is now $650,000. Think that'll be enough to get fence-sitters to pull out their checkbooks?
Forte Studios on the Market [Brownstoner] GMAP
Forte's Law: Doubling Height Every Month [Brownstoner]
From Cheesecake to Condos on Fulton [Brownstoner]
Development Watch: Hager Wasting No Time at 421 Kent
Just two blocks north of the 475 Kent mass eviction, developer Issac Hager has wasted little time getting to work on his latest project which takes up the entire block of South 8th Street between Kent and Wythe Avenues in South Williamsburg. Just a month ago we reported that the man who has just recently broken ground on another high-profile project—the Flatbush Flatiron—had paid $42.5 million for the site, where it's unclear whether he's planning on building a 7- or 20-story building. In the past couple of weeks, much of the former parking lot has been torn up and, judging from all those port-o-potties (on the jump) they're expecting quite a crew of workers.
Hager Re-Ups in Williamsburg Big-Time [Brownstoner] GMAP P*Shark DOB
Continue reading "Development Watch: Hager Wasting No Time at 421 Kent"
Residential Sales in Brooklyn
BEVERLY SQUARE WEST $985,000
271 STRATFORD ROAD GMAP
6-bedroom, 1-bath, 98-year-old colonial; front porch, gas fireplace in dining room, leaded-glass windows, parquet floors, original detail, 1-car garage, 50-by-100-ft. lot; taxes $3,824; listed at $975,000, 20 weeks on market, multiple bids. Broker: Mary Kay Gallagher.
MIDWOOD $301,000
1155 Ocean Avenue GMAP
2-bedroom, 1-bath, 1,038-sq.-ft. co-op in a postwar building; renovated and windowed eat-in kitchen, hardwood floors; laundry in building; maintenance $603, 49% tax deductible; listed at $305,000, 21 weeks on market. Broker: The Developers Group.
WILLIAMSBURG $670,000
22 Judge Street GMAP
3-bedroom, 1-bath, prewar, 2-story wood-sided house; dining room, renovated kitchen and bath, original tin ceilings and wide-plank pine floors, antique slate patio, full basement; 16-by-64-ft. lot; taxes $1,650; listed at $695,000, 1 week on market. Broker: Kline Realty.
First item from the New York Times, Residential Sales Around the Region; others from last Thursday's Residential Sales in the Times.
Photo of 271 Stratford by Kate Leonova for Property Shark.
New Charter School Underway in Clinton Hill
Work on the future home of Achievement First Endeavor Charter School, a 5th to 8th grade program launched in 2006, is now underway at 510 Waverly Avenue in Clinton Hill (current photo on the jump); the school, which has been lodged in temporary quarters at 850 Kent Avenue for the last two years, will ultimately accommodate 700 students. The rendering on the architect's website looks promising to us, a tasteful melding of a modern addition and the existing ice cream factory. As far as we know, it's supposed to be ready for the 2008-2009 academic year. Perhaps the arrival of a school on that block will turn up the pressure on the methadone clinic a few doors down to clean up its act. GMAP P*Shark DOB
Continue reading "New Charter School Underway in Clinton Hill"
Report: Subprime Foreclosures Rampant in Brooklyn
On Friday the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released data listing how many subprime loans there were in New York state in October (broken down by zip code) and how many of those loans were in foreclosure. Bottom line? Bad news for Brooklyn, especially in the zip codes that include Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant, East New York, Williamsburg, and Bushwick. As reported in the Daily News, there were foreclosure proceedings under way for 25 percent of homeowners with subprime mortgages in 11233, which covers Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights. That subprime foreclosure rate is almost four times the national average of 6.89 percent. As the chart above shows, subprime foreclosure rates were also high in other Bed-Stuy/Crown Heights codes (11212, 11213, 11216, and 11238). The data also shows that 435 homes with subprime loans in East New York were in foreclosure. Foreclosure rates on properties in the zip codes covering Williamsburg and Bushwick, meanwhile, were also high (though the total number of subprime loans in those Zips was smaller than in Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights and East New York): 22 percent of homes with subprime loans in the 11221 Zip code were in foreclosure.
Brooklyn Neighborhoods Top Subprime Foreclosures in Nation [NY Daily News]
New York Fed Releases Zip Code Level Data on Nonprime Mortgages [NY Fed]
Downtown Brooklyn in Transition
The Brooklyn Eagle has a series of stories about the massive changes under way in Downtown Brooklyn, chief among them the area’s shift from a primarily commercial district to a residential area. The paper figures that if all the buildings (not counting AY) now planned for Downtown are built, there will be more than 15,000 new residents in the area, and it could become a vibrant 24-7 community further bolstered by an influx of college students in the wake of NYU and Polytechnic’s merger. In the meantime, however, large swaths of Downtown are primed to become “miniature ghost towns” for a few years as businesses are forced out and construction projects commence. Reporter Sarah Ryley found that many business owners are angry about getting evicted, and current residents are frustrated about the dwindling number of amenities as shops shutter. Ryley noted that none of the business owners she interviewed on Bridge and Willoughby streets has received government assistance to relocate, though a spokesperson for the EDC said the city plans to give them relocation funding “when and if appropriate.”
Much of Downtown Brooklyn Is Going Out of Business [Brooklyn Eagle]
Downtown Residential Growth Ready To Take Off [Brooklyn Eagle]
Downtown Brooklyn: A College Town [Brooklyn Eagle]
Rendering of Downtown in 2012 from The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.
Is Atlantic Yards Funding in Jeopardy?
Representatives for Forest City Ratner have filed court papers claiming that ongoing litigation and turmoil in the financial markets may jeopardize Atlantic Yards funding, according to an article in today’s Post. The documents were filed on Friday regarding the appeal Develop Don’t Destroy is seeking for the lawsuit challenging the project’s environmental impact review. An affidavit (see copy on jump) submitted by Andrew Silberfein, Forest City Ratner’s executive vice president and director of finance, sheds some light on the complicated web of financing for the “more than $4 billion project,” which involves having Goldman Sachs serve as the lead underwriter for bonds that will finance the Nets arena’s construction. Silberfein’s affidavit goes on to say:
As the Court surely is aware, the credit markets are in turmoil at this time. Many lenders and bond insurers are facing financial difficulties, and are becoming much more cautious. It is not clear what the financial climate will be in several months, when the arena bond financing is made available to the public…there is a serious question as to whether, given the current state of the debt market, the underwriters will be able to proceed with the financing for the arena while the appeal is pending before this Court.
In response, an attorney for Develop Don’t Destroy said would-be financial backers know "how much of a risk" AY is.
Court Trouble [NY Post]
Anti-AY Lawsuits: And Then There Was One [Brownstoner]
Rendering from AtlanticYards.com.
Big Showing From Pols at 475 Kent Vigil
While the Mayor's office drags its feet, a slew of local politicians came out yesterday afternoon to show support for the displaced tenants of 475 Kent Avenue and call for a swift resolution of the problem and return home for the tenants. Senator Connor as well as representatives of Assemblyman Vito Lopez and Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez all showed up, along with Councilman David Yassky (left) and Assemblyman Joe Lentol (right). "This is an extremely dangerous precedent if the city can just put loft dwellers out on the street with six hours notice," said Yassky. CB1 environmental chair (and city council hopeful) Evan Thies called on the Department of Buildings to issue a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy once the immediate fire hazards in the basement had been remedied. (The FDNY is, understandably, concerned about the maze of food storage bins and lack of proper sprinklers and lighting in Nachman Brach's former illegal matzoh production center.) That's about all we could hear—Things weren't set up too well for a press conference.
Closing Bell: Moving Out at 475 Kent Avenue [Brownstoner]
‘Commune of Creative Types’ in the Burg is Emptied Out [Brownstoner]
475 Kent Message Board [475kent.com] GMAP
Monday Events
A Brooklyn Affair
Tonight, Donna da Vine hosts All About Brooklyn's networking and socializing event series, "A Brooklyn Affair." Enjoy half-price drinks and complimentary hors d'oeuvres while mingling with other professionals. Monday, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. $25 in advance. Donna da Vine Wine Bar, 378 Atlantic Avenue. (718) 859-0229.
Have an event you think we should list? Send it along to events@brownstoner.com.
Monday Links
Satellite of Love (Willie Edition). Photo by Paul Fugelsang.
Racist Graffiti May Target Surrogate’s Court Judge [NY Times]
South Slope’s Beer Table Awaits Liquor License [NY Times]
Boerum Hill Science Teacher Gains a Following [NY Times]
Despite Housing Slide, Real Estate Sites Sell [NY Times]
Hate Crime Spike in Crown Heights? [NY Daily News]
Bklyn Concierge Business Thrives [NY Daily News]
Mayor Presses Albany For Funding [NY Sun]
MTA Seeks a MetroCard Successor [NY Post]
Survey: Only 35% Back Spitzer [NY Post]
Congest Fees and New Tolls [NY Post]
Undecided in Brooklyn [City Room]
2008 Idiotarod Insanity [GL]
January 25, 2008
Friday Blogwrap
1860 House. Photo by brewpez.
Greenpoint Looking for Something to Rebel Against [Curbed]
More Details: Brooklyn Heights Financial Conwoman [McBrooklyn]
"Serious Smell" Mystery on Williamsburg's Grand Street [GL]
Scary Movies Off-Screen in Crown Heights [Gothamist]
Bed-Stuy Real Estate Picks 01/25/08 [Bed Stuy Blog]
NYC Pet: Nice Inventory! [CH Blog]
Closing Bell: Moving Out at 475 Kent Avenue
When we stopped by 475 Kent Avenue, the site of this week's matzoh-driven mass evacuation, these two fellows were in the process of moving their couch out the front door. According to one of them, the official word is that (former) residents will have daytime access through Sunday and then only on an ad hoc basis. He also noted that the circus of Fire, Buildings and Red Cross personnel has calmed down and there are just a couple of officials now on-site. Meanwhile, political pressure builds for a tenant-friendly resolution and conspiracy theories (is a rival developer pulling strings so he can take over the entire block?) swirl. Hopefully there will be more information on Monday.
‘Commune of Creative Types’ in the Burg is Emptied Out [Brownstoner]
475 Kent Message Board [475kent.com] GMAP
Today on the Forum: Salvage Edition
There are three for-sale items posted on the Forum today:
Antique Dressing Room Built-In For Sale
200 Square Feet of Red Oak Flooring for Sale
Stickley Chair for Sale: Make Me an Offer
StreetLevel: Café Opening on Third Avenue
A new coffee and sandwich shop is about to wash up near the banks of the Gowanus. The Crooked Tail Café, on Third Avenue and President Street (next to Canal Bar and across the street from G-town’s hotel row), is going to serve breakfast food, paninis, coffee and espresso drinks. “The area needs a place like this,” one Crooked Tail’s owners told us. “It’s tough to even find a decent sandwich around here.” They also said that they intend to serve high-quality food and coffee, “but not at Starbucks prices.” The business is opening in a storefront that used to house the Italian American Grocery, which was in operation for decades and closed a few months ago. Crooked Tail should be up and running by the end of February, and the owners hope to eventually have sidewalk tables and performances in the back room. GMAP
Open House Picks
Park Slope
106 Park Place
Corcoran
Sunday 12:30-2:30
$2,850,000
GMAP P*Shark
Carroll Gardens
304 President Street
Douglas Elliman
Sunday 1-3
$2,100,000
GMAP P*Shark
Bedford Stuyvesant
171 Bainbridge Street
Stuyvesant Heights Brokerage
Sunday 12-1
$995,000
GMAP P*Shark
Brooklyn College
2777 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn Properties
Sunday 2:30-4
$649,000
GMAP P*Shark
Open House Picks: Six Months Later 8/3/07
Comment: The broker for the Crown Heights house says the listing has been temporarily pulled while C of O issues are sorted out. All the rest did pretty well, it seems.
Open House Picks, 8/3/07 [Brownstoner]
Development Watch: 840 Bergen Street
A little later to the game than some other neighborhoods, Crown Heights has seen some new developments get underway recently. Last week, we took a look at the 8-unit building going up at 717 Prospect Place; this week, we stumbled upon a much larger project at 840 Bergen Street. After purchasing the one-story warehouse for $5,250,000 in 2005, the owners are in the middle of putting up a five-story, 67-unit building. The design, which isn't far enough along to get a feel for yet, is by Manhattan-based Kutnicki Bernstein Architects. Anyone know if this has an affordable component? If not, this would have to be the biggest market-rate project in the area yet, no? Any other big Crown Heights developments underway that we should check out? GMAP P*Shark DOB
Verdi's Sales Like Its Architecture: Ugly
The Verdi, a 14-unit development at 80 Adelphi Street in Fort Greene, definitely falls into the "What Were They Thinking?" category. When we scratched our head over this place back in September, two units were allegedly in contract. Now, four months later, there are just three. Is this over-the-top eyesore bound for the rental pool?
The Verdi [Corcoran] GMAP P*Shark DOB
At Verdi, All That Glitters Ain't Gold [Brownstoner]
New Development: Verdi on Adelphi [Brownstoner]
Checking in on the Atlantic YWCA Revamp
It’s been more than a year since the New York City Housing Development Corp. authorized funding for a massive overhaul of the YWCA on Atlantic Avenue between Nevins and 3rd Avenue, and the renovation is in full swing. The entire building is being revamped and, when complete, will contain 84 new studio rental apartments on the lower floors. The timeline for the project was two years, according to a representative for HDC, which puts the expected completion date at late this year or early next year. The studios will range from 250 to 300 square feet and marketing for the units will begin six months before the project is complete. The apartments will all go to low-income women through a lottery. The upper levels of the building will continue to have SRO units, and those rooms are also being renovated. GMAP
Foreclosure Pressure at 14 Fort Greene Place?
The asking price of 14 Fort Greene Place, recently cut from $1,469,000 to $1,399,000, may get a lot cheaper a lot faster, if a tipster we heard from is on the mark. According to someone who lives on the block, the owner was just served with foreclosure papers this week for a $910,000 mortgage that was taken out on the property in 2006. If that is indeed the case, the seller, who's been trying to dump the place since last summer, might be what real estate agents like to refer to as "motivated" at this weekend's open house, which, in case you're interested, takes place on Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30.
14 Fort Greene Place [Corcoran] GMAP P*Shark
Video: Imagining Flatbush in 2030
Here's a clip put together by the Municipal Art Society about a workshop the organization conducted last month along with the Flatbush Development Corporation. The workshop was one of a series called Imagine Flatbush 2030 that "is piloting the idea that full implementation of the Mayor’s PlaNYC 2030 will depend on engaging neighborhoods more fully in the dialogue about sustainability in planning and development," according to the MAS. The most recent Imagine Flatbush meeting was held last night—did any readers attend?
Building a Consensus for Growth in Flatbush [Brownstoner]
Imagine Flatbush 2030 [Vimeo]
De Blasio, Yassky Replacements Start to Campaign
This morning the Brooklyn Paper has stories about the candidates who are looking to replace Councilmember Bill de Blasio (our next Borough President?) and Councilmember David Yassky (our next Comptroller?). Five hopefuls have already announced their intentions to vie for de Blasio's seat in the 39th District (which includes Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Columbia Street, some of Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, and Boro Park), while only three candidates (so far) have said they're running to replace Yassky as the Council rep for the 33rd District (which covers Brooklyn Heights, Greenpoint; parts of Williamsburg, some of Park Slope, and Boerum Hill). Here's a rundown of the candidates' bona fides and platforms:
39th District
Craig Hammerman: CB6 district manager; says he's pushing for “affordability, sustainability and livability.”
Brad Lander: Director of the Pratt Center for Community Development; focusing on affordable housing and urban planning.
Gary Reilly: Lawyer, member of CGNA, writes nabe blog; wants to focus on improving mass transit.
Josh Skaller: IT director, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats president; chief priority would be education.
Bob Zuckerman: Executive director of the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation, CB6 member; pushing government reform.
33rd District:
Steve Levin: Chief of staff to Assemblyman Vito Lopez; focused on affordable housing.
Jo Anne Simon: Democratic District Leader; broad platform includes education and land use.
Evan Thies: Nonprofit adviser, CB1 member; taking on district growth.
Let the races begin.
A Five-For-All to replace DeBlasio [Brooklyn Paper]
Three-Way for Yassky’s Seat in Heights, W’burg [Brooklyn Paper]
Q&A: Brad Lander On His Run for City Council [Brownstoner]
Prelude to a Downzone in Carroll Gardens?
New building height limitations are likely to be imposed on a section of Carroll Gardens thanks to a zoning text amendment, a proposal that’s riding the larger wave of momentum to downzone the entire neighborhood. The amendment—which was championed by Councilmember Bill de Blasio, Community Board 6 and various Carroll Gardens residents—will affect 1st through 4th Place and change the four blocks’ classification from “wide streets” to “narrow streets.” The zoning tweak is going to go through a public review process and should result in “a lower Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and maximum building heights that are more in keeping with the surrounding character and context of the neighborhood," according to a statement sent out by de Blasio’s office. “This is the first piece of the larger puzzle,” says de Blasio spokesperson Jean Weinberg. “Bill is really fired up about preserving the character of Carroll Gardens, and he’s going to keep the pressure on it.” The “larger puzzle” Weinberg is referring to is the push to downzone all of Carroll Gardens, which de Blasio is holding a rally about next week.
Update on Carroll Gardens Development Issues [Brownstoner]
Days of Some Carroll Gardens "Wide Streets" May End [GL]
Great News Re: Wide Streets [BSCG]
Weekend Events
Brooklyn Museum: Brooklyn Philharmonic
On Sunday, in conjunction with its "American Identities" exhibition, Brooklyn Museum welcomes members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic. They'll perform pieces from three renowned American composers as part of their "Music Off the Walls" series. Award–winning composer John Corigliano will speak about his music. Sunday, 2:00 p.m. $14 adults, $7 seniors and students. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway. (718) 638-5000.
Bird Sale
Today until February 10, Bird holds its end-of-season sale. All fall merchandise will be 25%-75% off, including clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories. They have locations in Cobble Hill (220 Smith Street) and Park Slope (430 7th Avenue).
Gnarly Vines Tasting
Today, Gnarly Vines hosts a free in-store tasting of Mezcal Los Amantes. Served with homemade pico de gallo and tortilla chips. Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 350 Myrtle Avenue (between Carlton and Adelphi). (718) 797-3183.
Jeremy Zmuda at Two Boots
Tonight, Park Slope's Two Boots Restaurant presents "soulful jazz groove" from Jeremy Zmuda. There is no minimum or cover. Friday, 10:00 p.m. 514 2nd Street (between 7th and 8th avenues). (718) 499-3253.
Metropolitan Opera at BAM
On Saturday, Brooklyn Academy of Music continues its "Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD" series. This weekend, BAM presents a screening of Hansel and Gretel. Fred Plotkin speaks. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. brunch; 1:30 p.m. film. $42, $40 includes brunch. $22 for film only. BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Avenue. (718) 636-4129.
Prospect Heights Community & Family Design Day
On Saturday, work with architects and help direct the vision for the PS 9 playground at a free workshop. Discuss community and school needs with neighbors and PS 9 families. Snacks and art materials will be provided. RSVP online or by phone. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. PS 9’s Gymnasium, 80 Underhill Avenue (between St. Marks and Bergen). (917) 756-9029.
Johnny Rodz’s Professional Wrestling Show
Tomorrow, Johnny Rodz promotes his monthly wrestling show at Gleason’s Gym. Catch a glimpse of the up-and-coming stars who have trained under him. Saturday, 8:00 p.m. $15. 83 Front Street. (718) 797-2872.
The Tempest at Brooklyn College
Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents The Acting Company’s production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Sunday, 2:00 p.m. $30, $20. Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Road. (718) 951-4600.
Photo by Steve Sherman.
Have an event you think we should list? Send it along to events@brownstoner.com.
Friday Links
Fort Greene. Photo by shianlotta.
In Turnabout, Mayor Bloomberg Seeks Spending Cuts [NY Times]
Corruption in Brooklyn South Narcotics Unit [NY Times]
Longshoremen's Bldg Razing a Non-Union Job [NY Daily News]
New Rules Endanger Red Hook Vendors [NY Daily News]
Stimulus Package a Boon for Housing [NY Daily News]
Parks Dept. May Sell Off Naming Rights [NY Post]
No Operator in Place for Slope Armory [Brooklyn Paper]
Is NYC Becoming a College Town? [AM New York]
Ask About Tenant-Landlord Issues [City Room]
January 24, 2008
Thursday Blogwrap
Kent Avenue Building. Photo by technoparty.
Days of Some Carroll Gardens "Wide Streets" May End [GL]
Burg's Hipster Parking Lot & Purple Truck Doomed? [Curbed]
Mom of Toddler Laments New Union Hall Rule [OTBKB]
On Your Marks! Get Set! Idiotarod! [Gothamist]
Ticket Quota Met, Case Dismissed [Bed Stuy Blog]
“The Bakery” is Open! [CH Blog]
Closing Bell: Raising the Roof on 2nd Street
Tonight Community Board 6’s landmarks/land-use committee will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the LPC that involves building a new mezzanine addition on the rooftop of one of the houses on 2nd Street between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West (in addition to some changes to the rear of the house). As the photo above shows, most of the historic district block has an uninterrupted roofline. so if this is to have any chance of approval it'll have to be set back from the sight line. GMAP
Looking Forward to Preservation
Per Queens Crap, a new initiative called “Preservation Vision: Planning for the Future of Preservation in New York City” has been launched. The project—which is being administered by the nonprofit Minerva Partners and has a steering committee with reps from the Pratt Center, World Monuments Fund, and the New York State Council on the Arts—“is a call to interested citizens and preservation practitioners to think about the future of historic preservation” in the city, particularly in light of Mayor Bloomberg’s plaNYC goals for 2030. Preservation Vision will run in three phases, the first of which involves an online survey (take it here) meant to gather opinions about preservation in the city. Further phases of the project will involve a conference on preservation and a report that includes recommendations culled from the conference and survey.
Preservation Vision: NYC [Preservation Vision]
Preservation Vision: NYC Has Been Launched [Queens Crap]
Today on the Renovation Blogs and Forum
There's one new post on the Renovation Blogs:
Little Things [Windsor Terrace Reno]
Here are some of the topics posted on the Forum today:
Salvage Materials Free for the Taking!
Ebony Stain for Maple Floor?
Appraisal for Re-financing During Renovation
Need Help Understanding Assessed Value Calculation
Cost of Installing 4-6 Recessed Spots
House of the Day: 280 Park Place
We're liking the old bones at 280 Park Place, a new (surprisingly nice) listing from Century 21. The four-story house is also well-suited to a condo conversion because of its two-story addition. That said, this would take a lot of dough to convert, and it's not really in move-in condition for a two-family play either. Given both those factors (and the fact that the market's jittery), we don't think that the asking price of $2,100,000 is realistic. More like $1,900,000.
280 Park Place [Century 21] GMAP P*Shark
280 Park Place [NY Times]
Condo of the Day: 661 Carroll Street
Maybe the difference was timing, but the developer of both 659 and 661 Carroll Street had an easy time selling out the former while the latter has been more of a struggle, culminating in a price cut for the last available unit (#3) from $949,000 to $875,000 two weeks ago. As we said last spring, we really like the way the owner cleaned this place up with some modern flashes while maintaining the inherent charm. While the comments were generally positive about the listing last spring, evidently $1,000 a foot was too tough for the market to swallow. Think $875,000 for the 923-square-foot pad will get the deal done?
661 Carroll Street [Warren Lewis] GMAP P*Shark
661 Carroll Street, #3 [Corcoran]
Condos of the Day: 659/661 Carroll [Brownstoner]
Inside Third & Bond: Week 21
While the talking heads worry over a recession and the people on the street wonder if there will be down market buying opportunities, we thought this would be a good time to check-in on the neighborhood surrounding our site. We like to keep an eye on what’s happening, just like this neighbor from across the street who is watching us work (see pic).
Whole Foods
Our informant tells us that DOB was about to sign off on the latest permit when they realized that they didn’t like the reference datum that the survey was based on. This is after having seen the survey many times. We can relate to the frustration… and we hope they get it worked out soon. We’re anxious for them to get going because having Whole Foods down the street is a huge benefit to our project. We don’t love hearing the constant rumors and all the comments about that damn construction fence. Before the blogosphere, we never could have imagined the endless speculation based on a couple of sheets of plywood.
Residential Sales in Brooklyn
PARK SLOPE $517,000
10 Montgomery Place GMAP
1-bedroom, 1-bath 750-sq.-ft. co-op in prewar building; eat-in kitchen, high-beamed ceilings, h/w floors, bay windows, 2 exposures, Prospect Park view; maintenance $776, 50% tax deductible; listed at $535,000, on market 8 weeks. Broker: Aguayo & Huebner.
BOERUM HILL $325,000
251 Pacific Street GMAP
1-bedroom, 1-bath co-op in prewar building; common roof deck; listed at $325,000. Broker: Corcoran.
First item from the Times's Residential Sales Around the Region. Photo of 10 Montgomery by Kate Leonova for Property Shark.
10 Jay Street to Get Another Five Stories
DumboNYC reported yesterday that the nine-story building at 10 Jay Street, currently full of "creative" commercial tenants, is slated to get a five-story addition. If they can ever get the Stop Work Order lifted, that is. The design for the addition is being done by TKA Studio, one of the building's tenants. Back in October, we speculated that rooftop cabanas were in the works; evidently, we underestimated the owner's ambitions: Curbed theorized yesterday that the addition could be a prelude to converting the entire building to residential. Think that's likely? Any long leases still in place?
5 Story Extension Planned For 10 Jay Street [Dumbo NYC] GMAP DOB
Historic Dumbo Building to Have a New Growth Spurt? [Curbed]
Cabana Envy in Dumbo? Prepping at 10 Jay & One Main [Brownstoner]
Your Friends and Neighbors, 475 Kent Edition
It’s still unclear when or if the hundreds of tenants evacuated from 475 Kent Avenue on Sunday night will be able to move back into the building. Betsy Kelleher, who told the Times she has been fighting for years to get the building legally converted into apartments, left a post on a 475 Kent message board saying that judges are likely to allow the residents to move back in after the hazardous materials are removed: “as a result of the fact that this is a multiple dwelling and there are already laws in place protecting this many tenants in ‘defacto multiple dwellings’ our lawyers can go to the court to ask for an order from a judge that says we can return to our homes.” (Another conspiracy theory making the rounds: That the shut-down was payback from the Fire Department against owner Nachman Brach.) The AP, meanwhile, had a story about the many well-known photographers and artists who lived in the building, including: David Alan Harvey and Robert Clark, National Geographic photographers; Paolo Pellegrin and Alex Majoli, noted war photographers and members of Magnum Photos; Stanley Greene, who has covered the devastation in Chechnya; Kadir van Lohuizen, who has covered conflicts in Africa; Simon Lee, a visual artist; and Eve Sussman, whose exhibit at the 2004 Whitney Biennial was one of that year’s favorites.
Renowned Photojournalists Forced Out of NYC Building [AP/SI Live]
‘Commune of Creative Types’ in the Burg is Emptied Out [Brownstoner]
475 Kent: Confusion, Anger & Calls to Allow Residents Back [GL]
475 Kent Message Board [475kent.com]
Photo by D-Trubble.
110 Livingston Rental Ads Go Underground
We’re not sure how many units Two Trees is looking to rent at its pricey condo conversion 110 Livingston (according to a Curbed report a few months ago, it’s only six) but the firm has gone on an ad blitz at the Borough Hall train station. Some of the ads read, “Not Pressure You But With Rentals Like These, You’d Better Bring Your Checkbook.” Anyone have more info on the "not pressure" apartments? How about a copy editor referral for Two Trees?
BREAKING: Two Trees Renting Unsold Livingston Units [Curbed]
Rental of the Day: 110 Livingston Street Studio [Brownstoner]
Time Equities CEO Weighs In On Amity Plan
Time Equities head honcho Francis Greenburger has responded to blog posts on Brownstoner (last week), the Historic Districts Council Newsstand, Lost City, and Gowanus Lounge about all the hoo-ha surrounding the developer’s plans for 110 Amity Street. In the statement, which seems legit, Greenburger says Time Equities and its development partner Lucky Boy “do not want to present a project that does not have community support” and makes it sound like the “mews” design is toast: “At this point, we will re-conceive the project in a traditional street wall approach and try to present a plan that is responsive to the input received at the most recent Landmark hearing.” Last year the Real Deal interviewed Greenburger, and the following Q&A seems like it has bearing on the 110 Amity situation:
Q: How do you deal with antagonists?A: It depends on what kind of antagonists they are. If they're bullies, I'm extremely stubborn and I'll fight them tooth and nail. If they're crazy people, then I try to figure out how to work around them and not waste my time with them. If they are people who have a reasonable point of view that's different than mine, I try to understand it and work with it.
Sounds refreshingly logical for a developer.
Amity Street Development Turned Back By LPC [HDCN]
The Closing: Francis Greenburger [TRD]
Sometimes They Hear You [Lost City]
Amity Street Developers Go Back to the Drawing Board [GL]
110 Amity Proposal Takes a Drubbing at LPC Hearing [Brownstoner]
Cobble Hill Association: 110 Amity Plan ‘Unacceptable’ [Brownstoner] GMAP
Opposition to 110 Amity Plans Grows [Brownstoner]
CB6 Tries to Avoid Amity Street Horror [Brownstoner]
Inset photo of Greenburger from TimeEquities.com.
Gowanus Roundup: Public Pl. Bids Whittled, Builders Bullish
When will major new developments come to Gowanus and, when they do, what are they going to look like? Plans for the area—and an assessment of its prospects—are the subject of articles in both the Brooklyn Eagle and the New York Post this morning. First off, the Brooklyn Eagle reports that the city has narrowed the field of potential candidates to redevelop the 6-acre Public Place site, above. Between 500 and 1,000 housing units will be built on the land between Smith Street and the canal, which used to be the site of a manufactured gas plant. The two finalists are the Related Companies (partnering with Monadnock Construction Inc., Catholic Charities and Donna Walcavage Landscape Architect), and the Hudson Companies (partnering with the Fifth Avenue Committee, Jonathan Rose Companies and the Bluestone Organization). Both proposals include a significant amount of affordable housing, according to an HPD spokesman, and a representative from the Related Cos. has called the firm’s bid “really progressive and environmentally friendly.” The city is expected to announce which developer it has selected at the end of next month, and decontamination of the site is expected to take two years. The Post, meanwhile, has a long article about how developers are still keen on Gowanus as a whole, and it notes that City Planning is expected to release its official proposal for rezoning the neighborhood—which will allow for more residential development—soon. The builders waiting for the rezoning to go through include Leviev Boymelgreen, who is planning a development called "Gowanus Village" with several 10-story loft buildings along the canal between Carroll and Third streets; Toll Brothers, which is planning a townhouse-style condo development on Bond Street between Carroll and Second streets; and the Bayside Fuel Oil Depot Corp., owner of the Bayside Fuel Terminal, which wants to build 10- to 12-story towers along the canal at Sackett Street.
Go, Go Gowanus [NY Post]
Two Finalists Vie To Develop Toxic ‘Public Place’ [Brooklyn Eagle]
AvalonBay Stresses Affordable Housing in Public Place Bid [Brownstoner]
Gowanus Rezoning: Complete Chaos [Brownstoner]
Thursday Events
Fulton Street Alliance Methadone Clinic Meeting
Earlier this month, we wrote of the frustration of Clinton Hill residents regarding the methadone clinic on Waverly and Fulton (above). Today, the Fulton Street Alliance holds its first informational meeting on the issue. Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Brown Memorial Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 484 Washington Avenue. (718) 596-0100.
CB6 Land Use Meeting
Community Board 6 holds a meeting on land use and landmarks today. Thursday, 6:00 p.m. South Brooklyn Health Center, 120 Richard Street (Pioneer/King Streets).
Underbridge Pictures Reception
Underbridge Pictures presents "Painting Is Not Dead In Brooklyn," a group exhibition of paintings of the city. It features work from Robert Goldstrom, Doug Madill, Regina Perlin, Joan Reutershan and Ella Yang. The opening reception is tonight. Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 111 Front Street, gallery 202. (718) 596-0390.
Tracy Collins Reception
Photographer Tracy Collins presents some of his work tonight in a showing entitled "Atlantic Yards: (De)Construction of the Neighborhood." Tamboril Latin Restaurant Bar Lounge hosts. Thursday, 7:00 p.m. 527 Myrtle Avenue. (718) 622-5130.
John Burnham Schwartz Reading
BookCourt hosts a reading with John Burnham Schwartz (The Commoner). Thursday, 7:00 p.m. 163 Court Street.
Have an event you think we should list? Send it along to events@brownstoner.com.
Thursday Links
Brighton Beach. Photo by braesikalla.
Spitzer Is Said to Agree to a Raise for Legislators [NY Times]
Bush and Congress Nearing a Deal on Stimulus [NY Times]
Bay Ridge Pastor Wants to Tear Down Church [NY Daily News]
Heady Real Estate Days Are Behind Us [NY Sun]
Downtown Bklyn Becomes Residential [NY Sun]
Lopez vs. Pfizer Battle Continues [NY Observer]
Stopping Traffic on Bedford Ave. [Metro]
Carlton Ave. Bridge Closes [AY Report]
January 23, 2008
Wednesday Blogwrap
Park Slope, Brooklyn. Photo by Esters photographs.
Historic Dumbo Building to Have a New Growth Spurt? [Curbed]
Another One Bites the Dust: Sold on Guernsey [GL]
Floridians Say Bushwick Is Hot [Bushwick BK]
Snowless Winter Continues [Gothamist]
Art Studio Space for Rent [Bed Stuy Blog]
Wegmans Clarifications [CH Blog]
Closing Bell: There Goes the Front Yard
Clinton Hill just got a little uglier—and a little more difficult to find a parking space in. The owner's plan to cut the curb and turn the front of the ground floor at 174 Clinton Avenue into a parking garage that we reported back in November is coming to fruition. A reader sends in this photo that shows the concrete and facade demolition has been completed. How can this be? The property falls just outside the historic district and just within the commercial overlay from Myrtle Avenue. The flipper's gain is everyone else's loss.
174 Clinton Avenue [Brown Harris Stevens] GMAP P*Shark DOB
Cut and Run at 174 Clinton Avenue [Brownstoner]
Today on the Renovation Blogs and Forum
There are a couple new posts on the Renovation Blogs:
Kitchen Progress Heats Up [Windsor Terrace Reno]
People Get Ready: Painting Party [Bed Stuy Reno]
Here are some of the topics posted on the Forum today:
Experiences with 1-800-Wood-Floors?
Shortening a Spout for a Kitchen Faucet
Taking a Tenant to Housing Court?
Reliable Painter and Wallpaperer Needed
Ran Out of Fuel, Boiler Won't Start?
Financing for Coop Investor Purchase?
StreetLevel: Night Fever on 4th Avenue
The rush to open bars on 4th Avenue hasn’t quite kept up with the rush to build condos (what could?), but a new nightclub will soon open on the thoroughfare, joining the cluster between St. Marks and Bergen, and farther south, Cattyshack. Garfield’s (on Garfield Street and the west side of the avenue) is set open within the next month or two. We don’t have a ton of details about the business, which is going to be a nightclub, but the under-renovation space has looked extremely large whenever we’ve peeked in. GMAP
House of the Day: 466 5th Street
We like the look and feel of 466 5th Street, a four-story house within a gurney's-roll from New York Methodist hospital. Except for the kitchen, which we're not loving (just say no to granite!), the house has all the look and feel of an old Italianate brownstone, from the marble mantles to the pocket shutters. Currently configured as a lower owner's duplex topped by two floor-through rentals, the house has been in the same family for at least 20 years. Now that it's time to cash out, the owners are looking to get $2,200,000. Think they will?
466 5th Street [Orrichio & Anderson] GMAP P*Shark
Condos of the Day: 100 North 3rd Street
Just down the block from the Mill Building, the new development at 100 North 3rd Street is now on the market, having attracted five buyers to date. Which leaves thirteen units unsold, according to the Corcoran website or, if DOB filings are to be believed, another 19 units. Most of the apartments have very high ceilings, sleeping mezzanines and super-modern stylings. Do you think that the $700 to $800 per square foot price range will be compelling enough to move the rest of the units?
100 North 3rd Listings [Corcoran] GMAP P*Shark
Development Watch: 328 Grand Avenue
A couple of backhoes have shown up in the last few days at 328 Grand Avenue in Clinton Hill, but don't get your hopes up. First of all, there's no record of new building permits online. And even if there were, chances are we're in for another temple of mediocrity courtesy of the same guys who built the rental building across the street at 309 Grand Avenue (at right). As we said last March, we wish they'd kept the old two-story commercial building and built an interesting addition on top. Some Most people have no imagination.
328 Grand: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow [Brownstoner] GMAP P*Shark DOB
Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up
Rendering by Prudential Douglas Elliman
Coming Soon: Morton's Steakhouse
333-335 Adams Street, between Tillary and Willoughby Streets, Downtown Brooklyn
As previously reported, Morton's Steakhouse is set to open in the Marriott on Adams Street. The The New York Observer posted the steakhouse's most recent press release, along with this rendering of the exterior—which might be just garish enough to keep locals true to Peter Luger. (What's up with those rainbow-colored rectangles? Could they be giant lights?)
Now Open: Hotel Delmano
82 Berry Street, near N. 9th Street, Williamsburg; 718-387-1945
Both Eater and Grub Street are raving about this new looker of a cocktail lounge, opened by the owners of Union Pool. (Note: It's just a bar—it's not a hotel.) The Grub Streeters are digging "mixologist Jeff Hanson’s $9 to $12 renditions of the Last Word, Corpse Reviver No. 2, the Hemingway Daiquiri, and the Seelbach Cocktail." And Eater says "this is Brooklyn with the ante upped."
A New Spot in the Uncommon Grounds Space
50 Henry Street at Cranberry Street in Brooklyn Heights
"Just this month it came back to life as The Wine Bar at 50 Henry Street. The space has had a complete makeover and a full bar has been installed along with a matching liquor license, impressive wine list and a chef formerly of Mario Batali’s Babbo behind the stove." [The Brooklyn Paper]
After the jump: Brooklyn's own Diner Journal expands and Windsor Terrace gets a new restaurant...
Rentals of the Day: Prospect Heights
Here are some of the Prospect Heights rentals recently featured on Craigslist, most of which are pitched as good shares. Judging from this sample, 2-bedrooms in the nabe tend to go for around $2,000. Clockwise, from upper left:
1. 2-bed, h/w floors, large common spaces, $2100; St John's at Underhill
2. 2-bed, 2-bath, 1500-sq-ft. duplex, priv. garden, $3500; Prospect at Vanderbilt
3. 2-bed, h/w floors, open kitchen, $1800; Prospect near Washington
4. 2-bed, r/s, gut reno, $1700; Underhill at St Marks
5. 2-bed w/ office nook, h/w floors, $2000; Bergen at Vanderbilt
Who You Gonna Call?
Brooklyn Based has compiled a neat list of its picks for some of the best repairmen and service businesses in Brooklyn. BB’s recommendations were culled, in part, from comments on a bunch of different websites (including Brownstoner), and the list is still a work in progress (bring on the feedback). Some of the recommended businesses include: Bicycle Station in Prospect Heights for bike repairs, Vego for carpentry, John Hlad Plumbing and Heating for plumbing, and The Lamp Warehouse for lighting repairs. Check out the full list here.
The Fix-It List [Brooklyn Based]
Photo from citynoise.
A Drive to Replace the Boerum Hill Post Office
“Misdelivered mail? Undelivered packages? Terrible long lines? Tell us about your experiences and help us replace Times Plaza with a real post office!” So goes the language on the Boerum Hill Association's website about the Times Plaza Post Office on 3rd and Atlantic. The group is conducting a survey about the post office (which also serves parts of the North Slope) because, as the Brooklyn Eagle reported, they feel “The facility was outgrown decades ago, but because USPS only rents the space, they cannot make the changes necessary to run it efficiently. Continued neighborhood growth, plus Atlantic Yards, will only make the situation worse.” Gowanus Lounge has posted complaints about the post office on several occasions, and we’ve witnessed the crapola service at the facility firsthand more than once (including a memorable occasion last year when the surly staff made someone cry). Residents of the 11217 Zip code can vent here.
Replace Times Plaza — With a ‘Real’ Post Office [Brooklyn Eagle] GMAP
BHA Wants Times Plaza Post Office Replaced [GL]
Yassky Floats Biodiesel Plan
Tomorrow the Environmental Protection Committee of the City Council will have a hearing on a bill introduced by Councilmember David Yassky that would gradually phase in the use of biodiesel in New York’s heating oil system. Yassky’s bill, the Bioheat Act, would require that heating oil retailers start selling oil that is 5 percent biodiesel by June 2011, 10 percent biodiesel by June 2013, and 20 percent biodiesel (or B20 biodiesel) thereafter. The use of a biodiesel blend would go a long way toward reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, and oil mixes containing up to 20 percent biodiesel don’t require users to change their oil or fuel systems. Sound like a plan?
Photo by lucky_dog.
How Will Spitzer’s Budget Affect Real Estate?
Yesterday Gov. Spitzer introduced his $124.3 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins in April, a plan that calls for a spending increase of 5 percent as well as various cost-cutting measures meant to address the state’s estimated $4.4 billion budget deficit. So what sort of impact will the governor’s plan have on real estate? For starters, one of the most significant aspects of the budget involves increasing the real estate transfer tax, which is paid on property purchases above $175,000. Spitzer is also proposing a freeze on spending for the $4.7 billion School Tax Relief program, which uses state money to lower property taxes by funding school districts and giving rebate checks to homeowners. At the same time, Spitzer is looking to increase spending on affordable housing via the new $400 million Housing Opportunity Fund, which will go to the creation and preservation of low-cost and supportive housing. Some independent budget analysts say Spitzer’s plan doesn’t go far enough in terms of curbing spending. Nevertheless, the uncertain economic climate was clearly weighing on the governor. “Like every other state in the nation, New York is feeling the effects of a serious economic downturn, requiring us to make tough decisions necessary to continue moving our state in the right direction,” Spitzer wrote in a statement accompanying the budget.
Spitzer Plans Cuts and Fees to Close Deficit of $4.4 Billion [NY Times]
Spitzer's Budget Triggers Backlash [NY Sun]
2008-2009 Executive Budget [NY State]
Photo from state.ny.us
Wednesday Events
AIA Zoning Meeting
Learn details of the American Institute of Architects' proposed amendments for contextual zoning. HDC President and urban planner Paul Graziano, Council member Tony Avella, Chair of the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning & Franchises, and Community Board Land Use members from Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan will speak. Check the website for more information on the proposal and its objectives. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. General Society for Mechanics & Tradesmen, 20 W. 44th Street. (located in third floor classrooms of The Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America).
Newton Creek Meeting
DEP Commish Emily Lloyd hosts a meeting tonight to address neighborhood concerns about the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Polish Slavic Center, 177 Kent Street (between Manhattan and McGuinness). (718) 349-0150.
Have an event you think we should list? Send it along to events@brownstoner.com.
Wednesday Links
Prospect Heights. Photo by blinkbyblink.
Fed’s Action Stems Sell-Off in World Markets [NY Times]
Musicians Struggle to Find Rehearsal Spaces [NY Times]
Heath Ledger, Actor, Is Found Dead at 28 [NY Times]
Corruption Probe Could Invalidate Arrests [NY Sun]
Evicted Residents Face Uncertain Future [AM New York]
Much of Downtown is Going Out of Biz [Brooklyn Eagle]
2 Killed in Crash of Stolen Car [NY Daily News]
January 22, 2008
Tuesday Blogwrap
546 Vanderbilt demolition. Photo by threecee.
New Burg Development & Something in Air on Roebling [GL]
Fast Food Calorie Info Coming Soon, Like It Or Not [Gothamist]
Gowanus is Now Officially, Really Fashionable [Curbed]
Educational Measurements: I Am So Sick of It [OTBKB]
Argentineans Take Over Williamsburg [Bushwick BK]
Hungry Belly Deli on Tompkins [Bed Stuy Blog]
French Immersion for Kids! [CH Blog]
Closing Bell: New Bus Shelter for Vanderbilt
No more huddling inside of Tillies waiting for the B69 bus to take you to Park Slope. As of this week, the new bus shelter at the corner of Vanderbilt and DeKalb should be fully functional. GMAP
Today on the Renovation Blogs and Forum
There are a couple new posts on the Renovation Blogs:
Oh . . . the Possibilities! [Green Roof Reno]
Here Come the Sinks [Bed Stuy Reno]
Here are some of the topics posted on the Forum today:
Should We Even Bother with ADT?
Where to Go to Find Out Selling Price?
Plumber for Recessing Gas Pipe in Wall?
Tons of Roaches Around Old Waste Line!
The Cost of Adding Another Floor?
Lots of Questions About My Plaster Ceiling
StreetLevel: Fruits and Veggies in Bushwick
A poster on BushwickBK calls the opening of Mr. Kiwi's, a new grocery store on Broadway and Myrtle, "probably the most exciting new business to open in our little corner of Bushwick in the three years we’ve been here." The store is stocking a decent, well-priced selection of fresh produce, which many folks on the site say is in short supply in Bushwick. The city backs up those claims: A study by the Department of Mental Health and hygiene found the neighborhood has a low supply of fresh produce and low-fat milk, according to an article in Crain's.
A New Option for Fresh Produce in Bushwick [BushwickBK] GMAP
Photo from BushwickBK.
House of the Day: 193 Washington Park Price Cut
"Ridiculous," "Give me a break," and "This will sit for a long time" were some of the comments from readers when we first featured 193 Washington Park as a House of the Day back in early November; at the time, it was listed for $3,875,000. Looks like the commenters were right: After a couple months of no love from buyers, the asking price for the 6,500-square-foot brownstone overlooking Fort Greene Park was cut last week to $3,625,000, a price that still seems like a stretch in the current environment. Think there'll be any takers for the 25-footer at this new price?
193 Washington Park [Corcoran] GMAP P*Shark
House of the Day: 193 Washington Park [Brownstoner]
Condo of the Day: 409 3rd Street
Third Street in Park Slope, with its width and grand houses, is certainly an impressive stretch. That doesn't mean, however, that an attractive, but far from spectacular, floor-through apartment will be able to fetch $1,000 a foot. The second-floor apartment at 409 3rd Street, which is asking $1,199,000, has some nice prewar charm, to be sure, but the bathroom and kitchen are definitely a little tired and the layout feels like a cluttered maze of little rooms to us. The broker's use of gross square footage to hype the place rubs us the wrong way as well. (He states a gross square footage of 1,337; PropertyShark uses the figure of 1,098. After all, you can't sleep in the common hallway!) We think they'll be lucky to get $1,050,000.
409 3rd Street [Corcoran] GMAP P*Shark
Development Watch: 238 St. Marks Avenue
The digging had barely begun at 238 St. Marks Avenue in Prospect Heights when the project was hit with a Stop Work Order last week. The punishable offense? A lack of approved plans at the site for the "support of excavation and underpinnings." Sketch-o-rama. The Karl Fischer-designed building is slated to have 20 units over eight stories for a total of about 27,000 square feet. No renderings are available. GMAP DOB
Navy Yard Watch: Men In Blue's Building All Yellow
As we reported back in September, the Navy Yard is building a new headquarters for the tow pound cops as part of a larger plan that will reclaim the Sands Street entrance as the main gateway to the Navy Yard itself. Apparently, two stories is all she wrote on this one. No word on whether the new digs will make the pound police any more pleasant to deal with.
Navy Yard Watch: New Tow Pound Building Rising [Brownstoner] GMAP
Foreclosures of the Week
There are two interesting co-op foreclosure auction scheduled for tomorrow morning. First off, unit 8F at the 13-story, prewar 40 Boerum Place is going on the block. There’s currently a lien of $327,669 on the property, which sold for $420,000 in 2005. There’s also an auction scheduled for unit 6A at 381 Argyle Road in Flatbush (a block away from Ditmas Park West). The unit has a lien of $78,586 on it, and it last sold for $89,610 in 2005. The Argyle Road auction is scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow on the steps of 360 Adams Street; the Boerum Place auction will follow at 11:30.
40 Boerum Place, Unit 8F [Property Shark] GMAP
381 Argyle Road, Unit 6A [Property Shark] GMAP
Repainting the Front Parlor
When we originally moved into our house more than two years ago, our intention was to use the front parlor in the near-to-medium term as our own home office while renting out the rear to a non-profit. (It's a five-story house and we didn't want to make it a three-family.) The hope was that within five years or so we'd be able to afford to take over the entire parlor floor and move the kitchen to the rear of it with a deck and stairs down to the yard. Of course, instead of a useful home office, its proxomity to the front door made it a dumping ground for bicycles, strollers, boots, etc. Fed up, we purged the space over the holidays in anticipation of turning it into a clean, sparingly decorated dining room: One table with chairs, maybe a sideboard and that's it. The first step is to repaint, so we put up some swatches last week. From left to right, you're looking at Farrow & Ball's Pigeon, French Gray and Black Blue. We were tempted by the Pigeon but the prevailing opinion among family and friends was that it would be too dark, as the Black Blue would be. So we're going to be going with the French Gray (center). Anyone else used this color?
Righting Wrongs in the Greenpoint Historic District
Two properties in the Greenpoint Historic District must go back to the LPC after the fact to get the commission's blessing for alterations made without its approval. At 116 Franklin Street (left), changes were made to the storefront and doors and windows were replaced without permission; at 832 Manhattan Avenue (right), the owners have applied to bring earlier rooftop and rear additions into compliance. The application for 116 Franklin Street is being heard this morning at 9:30 on the 9th Floor of 1 Centre Street in Manhattan; 832 Manhattan Avenue, originally scheduled for today, has been pushed back.
January 22nd Agenda [LPC]
116 Franklin Avenue [Property Shark] GMAP
832 Manhattan Avenue [Property Shark] GMAP
Planning Extends AIA Zoning Public Review
The Dept. of City Planning has extended the public-review period for the zoning text changes proposed by the American Institute of Architects. Although Planning intended to have a public hearing on AIA’s proposal on February 13th, the hearing has now been postponed. The institute’s amendments to the city’s Zoning Resolution are going through a process called “non-ULURP” that involves most of the same things as ULURP—such as a land-use review application and a public-review period—but aren’t subject to the same time frame as ULURP (which, for example, requires that community boards hold public hearings on a certified application within 60 days). Because the AIA changes are coming from a private entity and not the city, in other words, the burden of convincing the public, community boards, the city, etc. of its merits rests with AIA. Planning’s extension of the review period (the department hasn't yet scheduled a new date for the hearing) means that the public has more time to learn about the proposal, and the Historic Districts Council is going to have an informational session about it this Wednesday.
AIA’s Zoning Tweaks Draw Heat [Brownstoner]
Proposed Zoning [AIA]
‘Commune of Creative Types’ in the Burg is Emptied Out
Most of the dailies have stories this morning about the sad, curious evacuation of 475 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. The FDNY designated the building a fire hazard on Sunday, forcing hundreds of tenants out of their apartments on one of the coldest days of the year. The FDNY said the building needed to be evacuated because its owner, Nachman Brach, was storing flammable materials in the basement that he used to power a matzo bakery. More than 200 tenants lived and worked in 475 Kent despite the fact that the building doesn’t have a C of O for residential use, and now many of them are suddenly homeless. The Times describes the former pasta factory as “a commune of creative types,” and quotes residents who are confused and angry about the evacuation. One of those residents, Betsy Kelleher, said the timing of the evacuation was suspicious because there’s a pending court decision that might result in all the units being rent-controlled. “They want to clean everyone out and then convert them into expensive condos,” said Kelleher. The building had been lived in for a decade. According to Am New York, the first artists who leased spaces at 475 Kent had been evicted from illegal loft conversions in Dumbo.
For Evacuated Building’s Tenants, an Uncertain Future [NY Times]
475 Kent Avenue Evacuated, Due to Numerous Violations [Gothamist]
Residents of B'klyn Loft Evicted for Fire Code Violations [AM New York]
475 Kent Update: Holdout Says It's "Creepy as Hell" [Gowanus Lounge]
A Holdout Stays in Brooklyn Loft [Metro]
Photo by i'm just sayin'.
Tuesday Events
BookCourt: The Best Of LCD
BookCourt hosts a book event for The Best Of LCD: The Art & Writing of WFMU. Started in 1986, LCD was published until 1998 as a visual counterpart for the radio station. The new book collects the best writing and artwork from the magazine, including work from Harvey Pekar, Nick Tosches, Chris Ware, Daniel Clowes, Kaz, Ken Freedman, Luc Sante, Johnny Marr, Amy Rigby, Mark Newgarden, Ron English, Daniel Johnston, Richard Sala, Tony Millionaire, Pat Moriarity, Wayno, and others. Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Free. 163 Court Street.
CB9 Meeting
Community Board 9 holds its monthly meeting today at 7:00 p.m. at 890 Nostrand Avenue.
Have an event you think we should list? Send it along to events@brownstoner.com.
Tuesday Links
Cobble Hill. Photo by dabramsrnjd.
Illegal Boarding Houses Pit City’s Laws Against Lack of Alternatives [NY Times]
Feeling Misled on Home Price, Buyers Are Suing Their Agent [NY Times]
Weapons Trove Suspect Is Linked to Hate Crimes [NY Times]
Governor Spitzer To Deliver Budget Today [NY Sun]
Brooklyn Has Fastest Fire Responses [NY Daily News]
The Two Sides of Brooklyn [NY Daily News]
Guttman Heads to Israel [NY Post]
16 Court Changes [Brooklyn Eagle]
January 21, 2008
Monday Blogwrap
Prospect Park West. Photo by MarkHout.
Dispatches from the Frigid Mass Eviction at 475 Kent [GL]
About That Brooklyn Heights Arsenal... [Gothamist]
Eater Inside: Hotel Delmano [Eater]
What About Wegmans? [CH Blog]
Clinton Hill Blogade [Flatbush Gardener]
Today on the Renovation Blogs and Forum
There are a couple new posts on the Renovation Blogs:
Skimming the Hallway [Bed Stuy Reno]
Stupid Ikea Cabinets [Bed Stuy Reno]
Here are some of the topics posted on the Forum today:
Converting a 6 Family into a 5 Family
Where to Go to Find Out Selling Price?
Super Needed for Crown/Prospect Heights Co-op
What Type of Insulation for a Brownstone?
50 s.f. of Oak Flooring for Sale
House of the Day: 41 St. Marks Place
It usually takes a few weeks or months for a seller to face the reality that an asking price is too high. In the case of 41 St. Marks Place, a three-story brownstone between 3rd and 4th Avenues in Park Slope, it only took a few days. Listed at $3,000,000 on January 14, the three-family was reduced to $2,650,000 on January 18. Still probably too much for a stoop-less house on the far side of 4th Avenue, but a step in the right direction to be sure.
41 St. Marks Place [Douglas Elliman] GMAP P*Shark
Co-op of the Day: 450 Clinton Street Triplex
At first blush, we were excited by the double-height arched ceilings on this two-bedroom in the old church at the corner of Clinton and First Place and thought that the asking price of $899,000 seemed reasonable. When we looked a little closer at the photos, the finishes struck us as a disappointment given the impressiveness of the structure itself. When we went back to an old thread about another apartment in the building, that sense was underscored by a commenter:
I used to rent in this very building. While I loved many things about it, the details and finishes always bugged me a little. The conversion was just done a little shoddy. The walls and floor/ceilings are paper thin.
How 'bout it? Worth the dough?
450 Clinton Street [Brown Harris Stevens] GMAP P*Shark
Development Watch: 681 Driggs Avenue
We were surprised not to see any work being done at 681 Driggs Avenue when we passed by last week. The site, along with another Karl Fischer-designed project across the street, is under the gun to get its foundation in before the surrounding area can be downzoned. The community board fast-tracked its approval of a proposal to limit building height in the area two weeks ago, putting the ball in City Planning's court. Located on the border of the north and south sides of Williamsburg, this design is for a 14-story, 41-unit structure that would come in at just under 100,000 square feet; the project across the street at 207 Grand Street is slated to by 10 stories.
Race to Stop Karl Fischer Grand St. Towers [Curbed] GMAP DOB
Drugstore or Supermarket on the Horizon for 3rd Avenue
A real estate investor just paid a pretty hefty sum for an old Gowanus warehouse but, unlike some of the other recent buyers in the area, he’s not planning to tear the building down and put up a hotel. Elo Realty closed on the purchase of the old Daily News garage on 3rd Avenue between Douglass and Degraw earlier this week for $10.5 million, and the firm intends to rent it out for retail use, according to the firm's principal, Jack Elo. “It’s big enough for a drugstore like CVS or Duane Reade,” says Elo, “or even a supermarket.” Seems to us like either of those uses would be very welcome to the folks who live in amenities-starved Gowanus and to the people who are going to move into all the new 4th Avenue developments.
Going Fishing for $15 Mil in Gowanus [Brownstoner] GMAP P*Shark