January 20, 2008 - January 26, 2008
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.