statestreeter's Profile
Author's Posts
October 3, 2009
Auto Inspection
With all the gas station closings, I don't know where to go to have my car inspected. The guys on Atlantic and Henry are crooks, so I won't go there. Any suggestions?
September 8, 2008
Alarm Companies
We just moved to a new house, which came with an alarm system installed. We're now looking for a company to service it. I've read past posts in which Gorilla Security and DGA have been recommended. Any other suggestions?
August 17, 2008
Come Take Our Slightly-Used Moving Boxes
We just unpacked from our move, and have about 25-30 large, barely-used cardboard moving boxes, as well as about 25 bags of packing paper sitting outside our house. The boxes have been collapsed and taped together, and the paper is in clear plastic bags. I'm going to put them out for recycling collection on Friday (August 22), but anyone who comes by before then is welcome to them. They are sitting outside 273 Baltic Street, between Court and Smith.
August 15, 2008
Post-Renovation Cleaning
We are are just about to move in to a place we've had renovated. It is covered with that thin film of dust and grime that accompanies renovations and I'd like to hire a cleaning service to come in and blitz the place in a few hours. Has anyone had good experiences with such services?
June 23, 2008
Rug Cleaner
We have a large (10'x14') Oriental rug which we'd like to have cleaned. The last time we did it the cleaners doubled the price once they had it and, essentially, held it hostage (we bargained them down, but still...).
Can anyone suggest a reputable rug cleaner who will pick up, clean and return for a reasonable price?
October 20, 2007
Paint Job
I'm looking for a painter to do some work on my kitchen: scraping, touching up, some minor plastering. Not a big job, but I'd like it done right. Suggestions?
September 24, 2007
Termite Inspector
I recently found some evidence that termites had once been nibbling at the underside of our floors. I'd like to hire an inspector to make sure they aren't still there. After reading the previous posts I know who NOT to hire. Any suggestions on someone reliable?
Author's Comments
Why can't someone open a Korean or Vietnamese restaurant (a real one--not just sandwiches, like on Bergen or Atlantic) around here. Why always mediocre Japanese/Thai/Chinese?
Posted by: statestreeter at September 22, 2009 10:26 PM in response to StreetLevel: Ghang Opens Court Street Outpost
Man, I didn't realize how many assholes were trolling Brownstoner these days. People think nothing of blowing thousands on enormous, tacky flat-screen TVs, but this guy gets shit for buying a well-made desk and bookshelf set? Gasp! He may even read books and... horrors.. write something on the desk! The thought is obviously too much for some of the lowlifes here to contemplate.
Posted by: statestreeter at September 11, 2009 9:39 PM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
statestreeter wrote a review about Fountain Cafe on September 2, 2009 5:14 PM
Tasty food at a reasonable price. The waiters are extremely nice when you come in with kids, which I appreciate. I really hope this place survives the economic downturn.
I've had very good experiences with Palone Brothers 718-241-1100
Posted by: statestreeter at August 20, 2009 6:01 PM in response to HVAC Help
Why is nobody suggesting that the park receive stimulus money? If anything is "shovel ready" this project is. Better this than Atlantic Yards.
Posted by: statestreeter at March 17, 2009 8:52 PM in response to Parts of Brooklyn Bridge Park To Be Completed This Year
We've used Matt Zocco (MLZ Construction) on two of our houses during the last seven years, and been extremely pleased. 718-966-8859.
Posted by: statestreeter at January 13, 2009 7:47 PM in response to contractor recommendation
Go #1!!! Tell it like it is.
Posted by: statestreeter at January 6, 2009 7:55 PM in response to Penthouse Bedrooms or Bulkheads at Cobble Hill Mews?
Yes, the point isn't this particular building, it is protecting the entire historic district.
That said, Walentas is a shameless liar. The best was when he declared that without the 10 foot allowance it simply wouldn't be worth undertaking the project. Amazing. He wants us to believe that he cuts his margins so close that 10 feet is the difference between profitable and unprofitable. What a super guy. Working tirelessly for us with so little upside!
Developers like Walentas and Ratner are businessmen and will say/do anything they can to get what they want. Fine. But don't ask us to pretend they are anything but.
Posted by: statestreeter at January 5, 2009 8:51 PM in response to Penthouse Bedrooms or Bulkheads at Cobble Hill Mews?
statestreeter wrote a review about Bocca Lupo on December 16, 2008 9:08 PM
Excellent food with very pleasant service. My only complaint is that the wine portions seem to get smaller every few months.
"Residential neighborhood"? Sure, but it is also smack in the middle of downtown Brooklyn. Those very same people are being tried in courts not 100 yards away. Get real. This is New York, where we're all pressed up against each other. Those who can't deal with it should move to the suburbs.
Posted by: statestreeter at September 26, 2008 5:43 PM in response to Escaped Parolee a Game-Changer for Saint Ann's Stance
We moved two weeks ago and used Shea Movers. They were excellent: hard-working, efficient, friendly. They packed and moved everything from a 1800 sf apartment (and basement) for their $4000 estimate. I gave them a 20% tip. They really worked their asses off and didn't break a thing.
Posted by: statestreeter at August 28, 2008 9:36 PM in response to Ballpark cost for move & tipping movers?
you missed them. sorry
Posted by: statestreeter at August 21, 2008 4:45 PM in response to Come Take Our Slightly-Used Moving Boxes
"highly SORT after"!?!?
Posted by: statestreeter at August 21, 2008 4:41 PM in response to Brooklyn Hts. Elegant 2 Bedrooms Sale
We've had a great experiences on two transactions with Jim Ratliff.
James R. Ratliff
438 4th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Ph. 718 768-0025
Fax 718 768-2348
JRatliffLaw@aol.com
Posted by: statestreeter at July 23, 2008 9:27 AM in response to Real Estate Lawyer
Avoid Vinnie's at all costs. They tried to rip me off several years ago. Ok work, but WAAAY overpriced. Unpleasant to deal with as well.
Posted by: statestreeter at February 27, 2008 11:05 PM in response to Security iron work cost $$$
We had a similar problem and Jim at Pestquest (http://www.pestquest.info/) took care of it quickly by installing a series of spikes and wires. It wasn't expensive and he has returned quickly whenever any of them has slipped or become dislodged. I recommend him highly.
Posted by: statestreeter at December 29, 2007 8:18 PM in response to Pigeons Problem
We've used them several times for small jobs and they have always done excellent work.
Posted by: statestreeter at December 8, 2007 6:01 PM in response to Electrician Recommendation
This guy is the best: http://pestquest.info/index.htm
Posted by: statestreeter at October 22, 2007 4:44 PM in response to Exterminator for mice...
Hey "guest" (aka real estate broker), for the amount of money you guys ask, you'd BETTER put up photos that will create traffic. The listing has been up since 9/21, so it isn't an issue of not having enough time. And, given that the open house is this Sunday, you'd think there was some sense of urgency. Laziness or incompetence. You choose.
Posted by: statestreeter at September 26, 2007 2:51 PM in response to House of the Day: 273 Baltic Street
The lack of photographs is odd, isn't it? Either the owners want to hide something, or Corcoran isn't offering very much service in return for its 6%. Neither option is encouraging.
Posted by: statestreeter at September 26, 2007 1:52 PM in response to House of the Day: 273 Baltic Street
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
CMU, did you see my comment above?
"I have two other rooms in my bstone with these shelves - another office in oak and a media room in walnut. I wouldn't part with the shelves in those rooms for anything."
I have not been had. What I bought were modern, visually-clean, shelving units in top quality workmanship and materials. Yes they were expensive, but for what I was seeking, I could not have done better. I will have these for the rest of my life.
So you keep shopping at Home Cheapo and in 2 or 3 years, throw your shelves away and buy some other crappy, ugly ones. In the end cheap = expensive and expensive = cheap.
Posted by: JCBstoner at September 12, 2009 10:58 AM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
JCBstoner, I respect you because you actually reply.
It's just for 13,000, you'd think there's more to it than flat, rectangular pieces of wood. Where is the handtooled detail you find on armoires, vanities, hope chests, servers, chests of drawers that would warrant thousands of dollars? These have all the appearance of being something an amateur woodworker could make for the cost of the materials.
I certainly would never spend that much money on bookshelving, and I am...well, just look at my login name. I love books and reading.
Posted by: infinitejester at September 12, 2009 3:12 PM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
Just a word about pricing, I think you should consider starting at about 50% what you paid and plan on being negotiated down. Apartmenttherapy and Craigslist may garner you offers, but I don't think 25% off for used merchandise, in this economy is going to happen.
Posted by: Brooklyn11218 at September 12, 2009 3:33 PM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
Brooklyn11218 -
Thank you for the advice. I am not desperate to sell. If I cannot get my asking or near it, I will simply keep the shelving.
No big deal.
Infinitejester - have you actually seen the product in person? I was skeptical too until I actually went to the Atlas showroom and saw and felt the stuff in person. This stuff is not at all amateur level. The lead carpenter on my bstone renovation who did excruciatingly detailed high-end trim work, paneling and cabinetry was even impressed. Yes the design is simple (and that is part of the beauty of it), but the quality and workmanship is unsurpassed. This aesthetic and quality is what I wanted and I found both of these attributes in Atlas' product.
Posted by: JCBstoner at September 12, 2009 4:16 PM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
For those interested, here is a link to a couple of another room in my bstone with Atlas shelving/cabinets. These are in solid walnut.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42526759@N08/
Be sure to click on the magnifying glass on the upper left corner of the pic to see the large size.
Posted by: JCBstoner at September 13, 2009 1:33 PM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
I don't think (most) people are necessarily saying the shelves are ugly, they are just saying they wouldn't pay for them. I.e. you probably spent $30,000+ on shelving in your apartment to have it 100% what you wanted, whereas most people would have spent a total of $2,000-3,000 and gotten something 90% as nice. Someone wanting a luxurious sports car can either buy a $100k Porsche 911 or a $1.6 million Bugatti. You bought the Bugatti and most people who have the money to get either one still wouldn't bother with the Bugatti cause that last 10% of luxuriousness just isn't worth 10x the $$$. Unless of course that's their thing and they are really into sports cars... as I guess you are realllllly into shelves.
Posted by: setancre at September 13, 2009 6:32 PM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
That...or the whole post is a creative attempt to get people to the showroom on Douglass St.
Posted by: kelly at September 14, 2009 9:11 AM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
Well, I am saying these things are UGLY...for the price. At $1000 I can put with no detail, blah looks and a student-dorm aestethic. At 30x that price, NO.
This post gets a Ridiculous Offering Of the Day (ROTD) award (previously given to the woman offering 24 sq ft of tile fo $800.) Call in for your tiara.
Posted by: cmu at September 14, 2009 9:37 AM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
Agree with poster Brooklyn 11218. Your pricing is too high. Start at 50% from retail on new merch. I doubt you'd get such negative comments on the style if your price was more realistic.
Posted by: diors at September 14, 2009 8:28 PM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
Apartment Therapy and Dwell had nice things to write:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/brooklyn/atlas-industries-as4-shelving-001424
http://www.atlaseast.com/publications_dwelloct04.html
To counter all the amazingly negative posts so far, my wife and I were really intrigued by this adjustable shelving system last fall when we were trying to figure out a shelving system for one of our walls in our renovation. Key here being it is *adjustable*. Obviously if you don't want that type of system, you probably won't like this look.
We went to see Atlas in person and one of the guys there (really friendly, not pushy at all, just proud of his product) showed us around, showed us the quality of their material and workmanship, and i have to say though I was super skeptical once we went I admit I thought the shelving looked beautiful (to me, admit all a matter of taste). I had been shown on line photos and I think it feels better to see it live.
This all stated, this is an extremely expensive system and that is why we ended up taking a pass. It also didn't perfectly work with our new rooms where we didn't need to go with an adjustable system.
But it is definitely elegant compared to other alternatives like vitsoe. If you want an adjustable shelving system, the choices are few in terms of the top quality makes. And this one, in wood, is really pretty than most of the alternatives.
Posted by: sunspot19 at September 15, 2009 1:40 AM in response to Atlas Shelving System for Sale
Why not let the market work its magic?
Boycott the restaurant, put up some signs
asking others not to go there, and set up a website.
After reading all this, I'm certainly not going to
go there again.
Posted by: statestreeter at September 28, 2009 7:58 PM in response to Noise Recourse?