Dave - Interesting about Butternut and the corner bodega...

I'll let you go over to therapy and form your own opinion. we can compare notes.

What do you think would complement chicho's efforts?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at November 20, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Open Thread

Dave, everyone keeps on beating me to the punch. I think this neighborhood could use a few things like this (as we have seen with the success of Saraghina and Peaches). What's your opinion of Therapy Wine Bar?

What happened to Butternut Market? Do you have any intel on what will become of the Solomon's porch space?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at November 20, 2009 2:58 PM in response to Open Thread

Dave - I saw that you mentioned that the owners of Saraghina are doing a new spot. Where? What kind of place will it be?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at November 20, 2009 2:44 PM in response to Open Thread

A man lost his life tragically and you loser are arguing about grammar? Pathetic...

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at October 20, 2009 5:02 PM in response to Closing Bell: Another Curbside Memorial

10% is the unemployment number...more people are hurting than that...particularly in NYC. The folks that still have jobs aren't getting anywhere close to the kind of money they were getting a few years ago.

Contrary to your comment, Minard Lafever, I think that the media severely understates the problem or "hype"

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at August 26, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Reno Prices Down?

Sorry for all the typos...

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 30, 2009 1:57 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

East New York - I am not a Starbucks fan at all, but he has opened successful Starbucks franchises in Harlem and South Central LA...that was my only point.

I also don't think that any one "NEEDS" a Starbucks. I think we agreement on all except for the fact that Starbucks located in inner-city neighborhoods have made a lot of money for Mr. Johnson.

Back to Bedstuy - we really want to invest in the community and have a couple ideas. We just wanted to see how our thoughts compare to what otheres thought.

I personally would like to see both more food options (both prepared and unprepared) and a nice place to unwind afterwork - perhaps a combo of the two/three...

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 30, 2009 1:55 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

MM,

thank you for yoru very thought response to my response. you are correct in that for a business to "really" succeed, it needs to appeal to several diffenent demographics. thanks for your thoughts.

Heather - Starbucs and Barnes nobles could work. Like you there would be some push back, but it could work. Magic Johnson has proved that at least Starbucks works in underserved communities.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 30, 2009 1:27 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

MM,

Not taken the wrong way at all. We didn't see the previous post about what Bed Stuy needs. Our question is not intended to be a rant session but a serious question about what is lacking in our beautiful community. We have an interest in putting our proverbial dollars in our mouths; however, we thought it might make a little sense to do an informal pole on Brownstoner.

Sorry that the question is redundant, but we still wouldn't mind hearing everyone's input.

We walk around our neighborhood here in bed stuy and love it more everyday. We want to see how we can actively make it even more lovely.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 30, 2009 11:57 AM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

Ditto. I get that. My point was that there was only one vendor. The Fort Greene Market has tons of variety which is all locally produced.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2009 4:41 PM in response to Closing Bell: Malcom X Farmers Market on the Ropes

Seperately - I heard that there were a few other Farmer's Markets in Bed Stuy. Can someone list the others?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2009 4:35 PM in response to Closing Bell: Malcom X Farmers Market on the Ropes

I stopped by the market week before last. I had my canvass shopping bag in hand and was all set to buy a bunch of produce. I got there and expected to see a market, perhaps a smaller version of Fort Greene or Prospect Park, but when I arrived at about 10 AM, there was a lone vendor there with a small selection of veggies. I asked about what he had and he seemed to blow me off. So guess what? I blew him off and took the 8 min train ride to Fort Greene and went shopping.

This is just one man's experience and it may not be representation of everyone's experience. However, I would wager the reason they failed were two fold:

1. Lack of participation due to very low awareness in the community.

2. Limited supply of produce - why waste time here for the sake of "supporting the farmers" if the "farmers" don't have enough "farm" goods. A trip to Foodtown on Fulton or a call to Fresh Direct (YES Fresh Direct does deliver over here) seems to be WAY more efficient.

I don't mean to sound overly negative, but my humble opinion is that they reason this didn't work is because it seemed to patronize the folks in this neighborhood rather than supply them with a meaningful produce addition. My goodness, the random fruit markets and bodegas on Fulton have way more selection than what was present the weekend before last.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2009 4:24 PM in response to Closing Bell: Malcom X Farmers Market on the Ropes

What does this Daniel guy, the one who owns the last remaining apartment, hope to achieve?? It seems that all his protest, at the end of the day, have resulted in a significant net negative.

Now we have a whole in the middle of Brooklyn that risks not being filled for decades because one man decides he wants to be that hold out. I am all for the David and Goliath story where the underdog triumphs in the end, but I kind of like that story in the context of a "Rocky" film. Not when it negatively impacts the lives of millions of people.

This man was given a more than fair value for his home (particularly in these troubled real estate markets). He has held out and now millions of New Yorkers are left with a hole in the ground. That has become too expensive to fill because of the delays Danny boy has cost.

Thanks Dan!

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 24, 2009 10:58 AM in response to Battle of Brooklyn: Yards Documentary Trailer Drops

The Brownstone School is Coed...pretty interesting schoool started by the parents of the Bed Stuy Parents Association...kind of like a coop school in a way with public funding and an application process.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 24, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

Did someone just say Jersey?!?! My wife forced me to watch "The Real House Wives of New Jersey" reunion show last night. I could not believe what I was watching. BK vs Jersey? BK wins hands down

As for neighborhoods and homes >$600K, I agree with DIBS. Look around the Utica stop on the A (Stuyvesant Heights section of Bedford-Stuyvesant). Amazing homes, great community and increasingly better amenities. With regards to schools, if you have a boy, Excellence Charter School (http://www.uncommonschools.org/ecs/home/) has garnered much praise. As well as The Brooklyn Brownstone School (http://www.brooklynbrownstoneschool.org/)

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 24, 2009 10:12 AM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I am consistently dumbfounded by the What's lack of sophistication. What, did your folks tell you to be quite when grown ups are taking?!? Mind you manners, What, mind your manners!

Cutting and pasting from Wikipedia does not an economist make.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 11, 2009 12:00 PM in response to Interest Rate Jump

We used Oh Waiter for a couple of events. They are punctual, professional and courteous. Rates were very reasonable.

http://www.ohwaiternyc.com.

Call Terry at (917) 488-5037 for more information.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 10, 2009 12:42 PM in response to server & bartender for a party

The ghetto is going to reclaim its territory?

Look brother, I don't know you; don't claim to know me. I am sure you know that language like that will get your ass kicked in bed stuy (or any other neighborhood for that matter). I will not hesitate to deliver.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at May 28, 2009 4:56 PM in response to House of the Day: 859 St. Marks Avenue

Dave - you were right

What,

I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt, but it appears that I was a bit to generous. I will ignore most of your incoherent ramblings but for two.

Moody's and S&P would be out of business if they downgraded S&P. Think of the reaction of Congress if those to entities suddenly made it harder for the legislative body to fulfill the "will of the people". Not going to happen. Not unless Moody's and S&P want to make their life harder.

With regards to Asia...you do an amazing job of going to Google News and cutting and pasting. While shifting through the mess of a central news portal is quite a feat, you lack the prerequisite analysis skills to decipher what you are reading.

Asia will be there to buy our bonds. I think there is some truth to the whole decoupling story that folks were talking about during the early part of this decade, but has been ridiculed since the onset of the current financial crisis. China and India with their immense population will continue to consume and grow. We see it today, both economies seem to be emerging from this global recession most quicker than their western counterparts..what will they do with all their money. Sure some of it will go to fund infrastructure projects and capital investment. However, where will they store their cash?

The rest of the world will be there to buy our bonds. Why? Because the US is and will be the largest most stable economy in the world. Asian can either hold their cash in their own loosely regulated financial institutions or buy the only known risk free asset in the universe. Interests rates will certainly rise, but to 15%?!?! c'mon...admit your exaggeration and move on brother.

Wow...that is a lot more than I thought I could write in 5 mines

What, you are an interesting character my man.

Hey - with all this talk of interest rate curves, can you tell me what a basis trade is or a butterfly? Obviously no way to verify if you really know the answer or not, but at least you be honest with your level of expertise (or lack thereof?)

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at May 28, 2009 3:43 PM in response to House of the Day: 859 St. Marks Avenue

To Mr. What:

15% interest rates? What, walk me through your logic? I think that folks are currently being duped into thinking that recession is coming to an end, and it is now going time to hold riskier assets. We will probably hit another leg down, where folks will again rush to the relative safely of US Treasuries.

In the current environment, interest rates are rising because folks think they are better off holding equities, commodities, and other risky assets. Over the medium term, it I think that folks will drive rates downward by seeking out less risky assets. Mortgage rates at 15%...unless we see some for of hyper inflation (not likely given fundamentals), it probably won't happen..

Now if you said something closer to 7-8% longer term, I would have to agree.

Again....just curious to see your thought process. I have a couple free minutes to kill today.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at May 28, 2009 1:38 PM in response to House of the Day: 859 St. Marks Avenue

this is a pretty sick house. i would wager it goes for close to 800...not bad...not bad...

how much work does it really need?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at May 28, 2009 1:26 PM in response to House of the Day: 859 St. Marks Avenue

we have this detail on the facade of our townhouse, and we really enjoy it. quick question to anyone that knows the answer, how does one clean centuries of city grime from these limestone carvings? I was tempted to rent a power washer and spray it down, but didn't know if the pressure would destroy the art work.

Any suggestions?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at March 31, 2009 11:29 AM in response to Walkabout with Montrose: Terra Cotta Delights

make that nine

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at March 6, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Department of Sanitation 1, Tree 0

I have actually seen the interior photos of this house before the renovation. I don't recall seeing anything in those photos worth saving (maybe an odd fireplace, but that's all). Considering the dearth of salvageable details, I think this couple did a mighty fine job. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but at the very least we can all respect the work and effort required to make this fine home.

Welcome Morris and Mary-Anne! You two are a great addition to the neighborhood!

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at December 22, 2008 10:12 AM in response to Brownstone Interior Destroyed Modernized by Artist Couple

I am always amazed by how many comments a Bed Stuy posting a elicits Any time there is slow traffic on the blog, just add Stuyvesant Heights...umm..i mean "Bed Stuy" and stir.

Stuyvesant Heights is a really neighborhood by the way...

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at September 12, 2008 6:30 PM in response to Barbara Goes Long Stuy Heights

DING DING DING. KO. Down goes the WHAT! Down goes the WHAT!

Hey What! With a verbal a$$ beating like that! Don't ever claim bed-stuy again! Never! That was a friggin' embarrassment!

That is the best you can come up with?!?

But seriously, What. Keep on writing. I mentor a number of kids and I often use your tirades as examples of how not to express one's opinions. My kids love you and your antics. Please keep it coming...please!

Bravo! Nicely done 11233

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2008 6:34 PM in response to Bed-Stuy, Do or...?

By the way, interesting to note that the mere mention of bed-stuy on Brownstoner results in at least 50 comments...

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2008 3:44 PM in response to Bed-Stuy, Do or...?

Easy, easy, 7andfive and mysideofstuy...let's not in fight.

The point is that there are good blocks and bad blocks in every 'hood. Stuyvesant Heights versus the area around the MYNT was just used as an illustrative example. I could have compared the Myrtle Avenue on the north side of Fort Greene Park to Dekalb on the south side.

I also remember very well those turbulent days...en'shallah we won't every see such a return to violence.

Also my name here is BEDSTUYHOYA and not stuyheightshoya for a reason...

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2008 2:18 PM in response to Bed-Stuy, Do or...?

NHS is pretty funny...I guess i have fallen victim to it today...

and now I will finally get some work done...

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2008 12:18 PM in response to Bed-Stuy, Do or...?

I am not sure we will agree on this one 7andfive...the blocks further north on Stuyvesant (past Monroe/Madison) are a bit more dicey, but I wouldn't count that as stuyvesant heights. It would be interesting to see a map of the old towns of Bedford and Stuyvesant Heights.

Interestingly enough...wikipedia defines it as follows:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuyvesant_Heights,_Brooklyn

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2008 12:01 PM in response to Bed-Stuy, Do or...?

7andfive, when I refer to Stuyvesant Heights, first I think of the historic district (http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/maps/stuyvesant_heights.pdf) as defined in this map. There are no shady blocks within this map.

Some might broadly describe the nicer blocks of bedstuy as anything from Fulton to Putnam and Tompkins to Stuyvesant...a few bad blocks in this area, but they are few and far between.

I am sure this will fuel further debate...

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2008 11:33 AM in response to Bed-Stuy, Do or...?

7andfive...please tell us which blocks in Stuyvesant Heights are "Shaddy" and why?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2008 11:16 AM in response to Bed-Stuy, Do or...?

I read that this article and then took a walk around my part of Bedstuy (Stuyvesant Heights). Very very very different places. I usually let people talk bad about bed-stuy if they please. Really doesn't affect me personally one way or the other. However, I agree with tinarina, it is pretty journalistically lazy to write this article and then make generalizations about an entire neighborhood. Nostrand and Marcy? C’mon?

The blocks surrounding the Stuyvesant Heights area (an area about the size of Fort Greene) are amazing. Crime is held in check and the amenities are coming. Not in fits and starts, but what seems to be a good pace of organic growth.

We purchased in bed-stuy for the long term (as did most of my neighbors). I think that a slight reduction in average prices is a good thing. It will encourage more young families to purchase in the neighborhood and help make it better overall.

I find it pretty interesting that Bedford Stuyvesant gets this much press (and this much airtime on Brownstoner). I have to believe that all this press is a net positive for the 'hood. Thank you New York, LA and Brownstoner!

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 28, 2008 10:28 AM in response to Bed-Stuy, Do or...?

Dave...Evanston, the greatest town in America! AND my hometown is dry no more! Tons of great bars and restaurants now. However, I am pretty sure that they don't allow Northwestern alums into any of them! HA!

Brooklyn is the greatest borough.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 24, 2008 4:06 PM in response to House of the Day: 210 Prospect Place

Can't join you guys next wednesday. I also see randmon people on Stuyvesant and wonder if that is Dave!

Let me know about the next one.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 24, 2008 10:31 AM in response to StreetLevel: Peaches Market Opens in Bed-Stuy

I echo everyone's comments about the greatness of peaches. fantastic addition to the 'hood.

Hopefully they will put pressure on Solomon's porch to shape up their act. Some of the live music acts are great, but the food and particularly the service completely suck!

Dave, what ever happened to that placed called Stizzy's that was supposed to open up? Is that your place as well?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at July 22, 2008 5:14 PM in response to StreetLevel: Peaches Market Opens in Bed-Stuy

Thanks for all the praise!!! I was a bit worried that people would rip the garden apart.

I have asked Jeff, my landscaper, to post on this thread with his contact information. Really great guy with some fantastic ideas.

Someone asked about chairs and table. Well we envisioned placing an out door sofa there so that we could kind of just lounge. The area not pictured is where the table and chairs will be placed. However, I suppose the patio is big enough to fit a standard size outdoor table and chair set.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 20, 2008 1:04 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Brooklyn Japanese?

Check out the Brooklyn Terminal Marekt (Lepide's). Someone on this site recommended them. Good selection and 25% off of retail prices for shrubs and trees

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 19, 2008 11:22 AM in response to Looking to buy a tree

long story dave, if i see you on the block i will share.

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 17, 2008 4:23 PM in response to appraisals?

I am looking for a recommendation for a plumber to connect my dryer to an existing gas line. I think I need about 10 feet of pipe to make the connection (plus all the applicable plumbing joints). Since this is gas, I need a reliable, certified plumber to complete this job.

Not to scare you, but we managed to get our house for significantly less than the contract price, because the bank appraisal came in lower than everyone thought (except me :). However, you have multiple back up bids, so this may be less of a concern. If the selected buyer doesn't get a mortgage, you could go to the next guy/gal and see if they have more money to put down in the form of a down payment. That way they buyer has to borrow less.

The banks will only lend based on the appraised amount, however, if you have a buyer with lots of cash, they can agree to make of the difference in cash.

I hope it all works out and good luck!

The banks will only lend based on the appraised amount, however, if you have a buyer with lots of cash, they can agree to make of the difference in cash.

I hope it all works out and good luck!

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 17, 2008 3:33 PM in response to appraisals?

the What, dude shut up already. You are from Bed Stuy and all you want to do is tear it down. Didn't someone call you a crab they other day? You are just that - a crab in a barrel.

I just recently got a jumbo loan with 10% down with a 5.5% interest rate. You have no clue what you are talking about. None!

Any monkey can cut and paste. It is the ability to analyze information and make intelligent assessments that separates us from the beasts. Clearly you have not made that leap as yet.

Dave - you are a bit long winded, but generally I agree with you. When is the new Smoke Joint restaurant opening? I read about some good pizza place in NY Magazine that recently opened up somewhere in the hood link here (http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/06/naplesstyle_pizzeria_coming_to.html ) You been?

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 16, 2008 6:51 PM in response to House of the Day: 483 Putnam Avenue

I have some...just finishing up a backyard reno. post your email and i will contact you

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at June 10, 2008 12:30 PM in response to Looking for soil

Ha. I figured that "grown up hipster" would strike a nerve somewhere...all in good fun

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at May 20, 2008 4:52 PM in response to House of the Day: 207 Washington Avenue

Very nice house on a nice block. there is a buyer out there somewhere...

However, (and pls don't admonish me for voicing my opinion) I don't know...maybe I have to see it in person, but I am just not "feeling" it. It seems a little to sterile to me...almost as it tries to hard to accomplish that modern/traditional look. Kind of like a grown up “hipster”

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at May 20, 2008 4:12 PM in response to House of the Day: 207 Washington Avenue

Dave - not the same guy, but thanks for the rec.

I will let the Hoya comment slide...just this one time. HA!

Posted by: bedstuyhoya at May 8, 2008 6:51 PM in response to Landscaper Recs