[nggallery id=”26598″ template=galleryview]

The story of 246 Cornelia Street comes to us from photographer and filmmaker Willow Robin. Proud of her building and what’s become of it, she told us the building “is claimed to be the only co-op apartment complex in the Bushwick area.” “Well after its trolleys stopped running, the Bushwick neighborhood was one of the areas hardest hit by the city-wide struggle during the 1970s. As parts of Brooklyn, like the Bronx, historically burned around this time, the landlord abandoned this building, leaving tenants to legally obtain it from the city. Seen as one of the city’s experiments in handing over control to tenants, its success has been proven by time; the 246 Cornelia board has met weekly ever sense.” As apartments become available for sale, she says, younger folks are snatching up the properties at what she calls “jaw-dropping prices” &#8212 $210,000 for one-bedrooms (that’s for the renovated ones) with $256 a month maintenance. “Those opting out of condo-life have afforded to move here without draining their savings, and learning valuable lessons in hard-work and community building along the way.”


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

  1. I have to take a lot of exceptions to what Rob (Pitbull) has to say. the younger people who you seem to believe don’t exist are responsible people in their late 20’s/early 30’s who work and probably have better then entry level jobs that they got through hard work. They saved their money over years and purchased when they opportunity came. I think you are also mistaken about the population of bushwick. contrary to what this site or gothamist or curbed says, bushwick has artist and that is good. They are the ones living 4-5 in a loft. True, but they aren’t that many lofts. It’s mostly townhouses full of working people of different races and they have some money too. Artist would be lucky to make up 20 percent of the neighborhood.

    I’ll end my rant with a quote I have always liked.

    I think a lot of what you are saying comes from an attitude that people in their twenties (that can carry on for life) have that is hedonistic. You don’t save money because you want to smoke, drink, eat good food and don’t have a budget that allows you to save money because this city is expensive. There needs to be a balance between living your life and having fun while also looking ahead and improving your life through long terms goals. You’re dropping 3500 a year to smoke???? Even potheads probably don’t drop that much.

    Most of these people that you imply are crazy to buy in bushwick have probably been saving money since they started working and have a small nest egg that allows them to make an investment in a home in a city that is difficult to do so. You’re right that it’s hard to do making 40k by yourself but if you set it as a goal and works towards it…

    Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
    Thomas A. Edison

  2. thanks i knew i wasnt crazy, travy. but i guess in order to afford anything i will be forced to have to find a live in lover and share expenses :-/ grrr and that person will need to make at least 80k

    *rob*

1 2 3