faithful's Profile
- F. Joyner
- All of my life
- 12/05
- Brooklyn
- Crown Heights
- House
- Female
- 33
Author's Posts
September 17, 2008
Removing small rocks and twigs for soil
Well...the sod didn't work out it died. So I would like to plant grass seeds this weekend before it gets too cool. I noticed that my soil has lots of little pieces of twigs and small rocks. Perhaps this is the reason for the sod's demise. Does anyone know of someone who can come and remove most, if not all, of the debris and perhaps level the soil?
September 16, 2008
Change in City Council Hearing Date and Reminder for other events
Hello everyone
As you will see below the City Council Hearing has been postponed to next week. Please spread the word ASAP
The hearing for the committee on General Welfare has been postponed to Wednesday, Sept 23, 2008 at 10AM in the committee room.
There are still three very important events to attend this week
1. September 18 (This Thursday) 12:30 PM
the Ecumenical Press Conference in Opposition to the Intake Center
The Church of St. Gregory the Great
991 St. Johns betw'n New York and Brooklyn Aves in Crown Heights North
Evangeline Porter, President of the Crow HIll Community Association and
Margaret McFarlane, Secretary of 1152 Pacific Street HDFC
will be presenting our letters at the above press conference.
2. September 19:
A. 9 AM - Press Rally
City Hall steps
B. Same date 9/19
10 AM -State Assembly Hearing on moving the intake center
(across the street from City Hall
250 Broadway (19th Floor) -Manhattan
Because of the change in the date for the City Council Hearing, we will probably have to get a new flier out. In the meantime, do what you can to give everyone a heads-up about the change and please do all you can to get people to come out for the event in Crown Heights North on the 18th and the 2 back-to-back events in Manhattan on the 19th
Sandy
July 29, 2008
Organic Lawn
Does anyone out there have a lawn that they only use organic material on? We just installed our sod about two weeks ago and I've been trying to find the best organic fertilizers, insecticides and weed killers. Is it worth it? I have young children who will be utilizing the lawn, so I'm concerned and would like to use products that will not be harmful to them. Does anyone use the regular stuff and have children?
July 16, 2008
Installing Sod
We're installing sod on Friday -- I know it's going to be a hot one. I ordered it from Kings County Nursery last weekend. Does anyone have any tips on how to grow a luscious lawn from sod? How long after installation can the grass handle medium to heavy traffic? Where can I rent a lawn roller or can I use something else to remove any air pockets? Thanks all!!!
June 12, 2008
Tenants Have a Cat!!!
When I advertised my apartment on Craig's list I was very clear that pets were not allow. I've discovered yesterday that one of my tenants has a cat. I was in my backyard and saw the cat on the window sill. I don't want to seem anal, but a rule is a rule. They signed the rider and agreed to it, so they're actually breeching a contract. How should I handle the situation without any animosity?
June 6, 2008
Sod
Does anyone know of a reputable place in Brooklyn where I can purchase sod for my backyard other than Home Depot or Lowe's? The reason why I'm excluding HD & Lowes, is because they don't take very good care of their greenery and sod has to be laid out pretty quickly. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!!!
March 21, 2008
What Type of Grass Seeds Should I Buy?
I'm considering grass seeds for my yard (instead of sod). I'm leaning toward a Kentucky Bluegrass blend. Does anyone have a specific type or brand to recommend for a typical Brooklyn backyard that will be enjoyed by three rambunctious children?
March 11, 2008
Cleaning woodwork
Can anyone tell me the best products to use on original wood details? I would like to give it a good cleaning and polishing after an intensive renovation, which left lots of dust behind.
March 3, 2008
Door Kick Plate
I'm looking to purchase kick plates for two 24" doors preferably in oil rubbed bronze. Does anyone know where I can purchase them? Thanks.
February 5, 2008
My Gas Dryer is not getting Hot!!!
I purchased my dryer (it's a Kenmore) in August, but just started using it last month and it has never gotten hot...I mean it drys clothes...eventually, but it takes over an hour. Does anyone have any idea(s) as to what is preventing the dryer from getting hot. Thanks!!
Author's Comments
The contractor who has lovingly renovated and restored my home is Thahal Beer of Beer Home Improvement. He doesn't have any fancy websites or advertisements. His jobs come through word of mouth and his work speaks for itself. He is very detailed oriented, dependable, responsible and most importantly honest. He put in a brand new hardwood floor (red oak with mahogany borders) and it looks fabulous as well as three kitchens, four bathrooms. I'm in awe of my new staircase, which had to be relocated, but Beer saved all of my old spindles and banister and has made this brand-new staircase look like it is original to the house (1899). He does most of the work himself and he doesn't sub-contract very much. He's very hands-on and he's at the job every day. He comes early and leaves late. I would totally recommend him with my eyes closed. If you would like to contact him, his # is (646) 358-6118. He will be more than happy to show you his work.
Posted by: faithful at August 20, 2007 4:28 PM in response to Help!! Please recommend a good contractor
My recommendation was honest. My contractor actually doesn't even own a computer. He's an old-fashioned kind of guy. To the OP, I would be happy to email you pics of my home. BTW, I forgot to mention that he's licensed & insured.
Posted by: faithful at August 21, 2007 4:55 PM in response to Help!! Please recommend a good contractor
The Dean Street house is nowhere near AY
Posted by: faithful at September 21, 2007 1:35 PM in response to Open House Picks
I agree 1:50 p.m. People see Dean St and automatically assume it's by AY. Clueless!!! Come out to the House Tour on 10/06 and see all that Crown Heights North has to offer.
Posted by: faithful at September 21, 2007 1:55 PM in response to Open House Picks
Yes, one of the most beautiful blocks...Where do you live?
Posted by: faithful at September 21, 2007 1:58 PM in response to Open House Picks
Isn't it true that if your house is a 3-family or less, you don't have to deposit the security in a special account? I'll be renting two apts. in a owner-occupied 3-fam and I wasn't intending on placing the security in a special account.
Posted by: faithful at October 1, 2007 12:04 PM in response to Security deposits
I can't wait for the CHN tour either!!! I hope to have my house on the tour next year.
Posted by: faithful at October 2, 2007 2:36 PM in response to House Tourers, (Re)Start Your Engines: Crown Heights Next
Wow!!! I've been reading through the thread and I must say that I'm quite disappointed with a lot of the comments. I own in Crown Heights North (the 1st Phase of the HD)and I'm very proud to own there. Everyone is entitled to their opinions whether they are negative or positive, but some of the opinions expressed were inflammatory and just plain evil.
It takes a lot of guts to open your home to strangers. Many of these comments will deter many homeowners from participating in such events. I considered opening my home next year after an extensive renovation, which in my opinion has turn out great considering the very tight budget. This thread has given me second thoughts. I never thought Brownstoners could be this catty.
As far as Co-chair's comments are concerned, he/she is just protecting the vision that he/she nurtured for over a year and saw come to fruition this Saturday. Put yourselves in his/her shoes, he/she is the proud parent of a child that you're cutting down at the knees. How would you react? If you want to critique, do so in a manner that's helpful and not malicious. Thank you!!!
I look forward to the 2nd Annual CHN House Tour in 08!
Posted by: faithful at October 9, 2007 3:45 PM in response to Crown Heights North Tour Open Thread
Crown Heights does rock!
Posted by: faithful at October 9, 2007 4:25 PM in response to Crown Heights North Tour Open Thread
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Posted by: nctrade at August 22, 2008 9:07 PM in response to Buying at Bed-Stuy
I am honored to be living in historic Crown Heights. This is a neighborhood where people take pride in their beautiful buildings, greet each other with eye contact, and have lived here for generations. Not dissable.
Posted by: chnyc at August 25, 2008 5:35 PM in response to Buying at Bed-Stuy
I take it from what everyone is say ing that ... it is in fact possible to grow grass in Brooklyn? Everyone I have ever spoken to has told me not to bother trying, it won't take in this area
Posted by: New Guy at September 17, 2008 3:26 PM in response to Removing small rocks and twigs for soil
not true....once the soil is prepped properly (which I failed to do with the sod) and you don't under or overwater, you can definitely have grass in Brooklyn. I'm still learning, but I'm sure next spring my outcome will be better than this year.
Posted by: faithful at September 17, 2008 4:41 PM in response to Removing small rocks and twigs for soil
I used to have a great Brooklyn lawn:
http://www.brooklynrowhouse.com/house/backyard
It was a lot of work and it can be a heartbreaker during the hotter summer months if you don't keep up with watering, the weeding, the feeding, the fungus, the bugs, etc.
After I got two energetic, digging puppies I gave up.
Posted by: Steve at September 17, 2008 7:38 PM in response to Removing small rocks and twigs for soil
Right now's the perfect time to seed. I reworked my back lawn in early spring, mixing in lots of dead leaves from over the winter with starter fertilizer and peat moss. Let it sit for a week, and the started seeding. The problem I ran into was flooding. We had a few storms that inundated my yard with water, and killed all the young grass. I had to plant shade tolerant seed to start with, so it was pretty fragile.
I'm going to try again this weekend and hope for the best. I'd like to have grass, but I have a feeling I should start researching into alternative ground cover that's less labor intensive.
Posted by: Fort Greene Place at September 18, 2008 5:01 PM in response to Removing small rocks and twigs for soil
Have you confirmed with the DOB website if you have a TCO? There is always the chance if you do report it to the dob they will place a stop work order on the building and evict everyone out until the sponsors can produce a TCO.
Posted by: cinnybuns at October 2, 2008 3:30 PM in response to Tenant in building with no C of O
stop breaking my balls and pay the rent . The work is almost done in the building ..
Posted by: yourlandlord at October 2, 2008 4:29 PM in response to Tenant in building with no C of O
Well, aren't you helpful Putnam and bohuma. Not only did you not answer the poster's question, but you were snarky about it. I suppose neither of you have ever asked a question that someone else considered stupid.
OP:As cinnybuns suggested, find out if your building has a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. If it does, it is perfectly legal for the landlord to move tenants in and collect rent from them. I would also suggest that you read your lease. There may be a clause in there that addresses this situation.
Posted by: Iris at October 3, 2008 9:58 AM in response to Tenant in building with no C of O
Actually Iris, I did answer Grizzlycat's question, I suggested s/he phone 311. If s/he does that the call center worker will file his complaint with the buildings department who will send out an inspector, and if there is indeed no certificate of occupancy, will proceed as laid out in the law. I also explained what will happen if s/he stops paying rent. No tenant should stop paying rent without seeking legal advice first, and even then the tenant should pay the rent into an escrow account until their dispute with the landlord is settled.
Posted by: bohuma at October 3, 2008 10:27 AM in response to Tenant in building with no C of O

I strongly recommend Thahal Beer of Beer Home Improvement (646)358-6118. He doesn't have any fancy website and he really doesn't advertise. All of his work comes from recommendations and word of mouth. He's currently working on my house in Crown Heights and will be finished very soon. He's installed (3) kitchens, (4) bathrooms, skim coated, installed beautiful hardwood floors with mahogany borders and a wood medallion. His prices are quite reasonable. He's dependable and reliable.
Posted by: faithful at August 13, 2007 1:36 PM in response to Small Job Contractors?