Sweeping Changes North of FG Park

On the rare occasion I take a cab home from the city, I usually guide the driver to make a left on Myrtle.  Those first few blocks of the former Murder Avenue look to be just that -- crumbling buildings, boarded up storefronts, garbage.  It's an even stranger corner, given the luxury condo buildings nearby. Perhaps the property owners there heard the gossip that Brownstoner broke today in advance, and have been neglecting their buildings until the area changed a little.

More than a little.  It seems the infamous Ingersoll and Whitman projects may eventually become middle income housing and/or co-ops! Holy crap.

Several months back, there was talk of razing Admiral's Row to make room for an enormous supermarket.  Perhaps this was planned in advance for the new tenants?   Where will the current residents go?  Will it result in a more unified Fort Greene Park scene?

Haunted Church Update

Brownstoner spied a dumpster in front of everyone's favorite Haunted Church, 447 Clinton Ave, recently. A few days ago, I spotted this sign on the plywood that now surrounds the house:

Looks like the work's being done for now on the carriage house in the back. This is cool, I suppose, but I'm annoyed since I dreamed of buying it someday and doing a cool green reno. Bah.

At least this means (hopefully) that the property will be cleaned up! I'm tired of looking at all the weird, soggy trash outside this place.

Hallelujah

The boarded-up Cathedral of Deliverance near the worst post office ever is going condo!

The building will be called Fulton on Clinton, which I think it a bit deceiving. Makes it sound like it's on the corner of Clinton and Fulton, when it just refers to the building being IN Clinton Hill.

The exterior rendering looks really nice, and prices don't seem too outrageous. Though the listing does say Fort Greene. I'd think by this point, listing "Clinton Hill" would be a selling point.

Inside? These computer-based images are hard to really judge, but it looks like something I would live in. Though I'd pick a different paint color for the kitchen, and it doesn't look like it has much counter space. But it does have a washer-dryer (swoon).

Two units go on the market Sunday. Just a warning- if you buy here, you have to pick up packages at Adelphi Station! What do you think should move into the retail space? Hopefully this storefront will help fill in the gaps on Fulton and further tie it together as a decent destination (Olivino, Kush, Outpost and Brown Betty are all favorites of mine on/near Fulton). Brownstoner coverage here.

Weird New Building

While walking around on a recent weekend, I ran into this building on Fulton at Classon:

Seems odd, as it looks new and yet the doors are boarded up from the inside. Looks like it might be affordable condos?

A 1-br with marble baths for 250k? AND central air? What's the catch?

Ooo...looks like Brownstoner did a post on this place back in January 2006!  And again in August for an open house! (I should know by now to check him first for info on all things new construction in the hood.  Do check out the ridiculous placement of the stove hood in the photos.  WTF?)

So, what ended up happening here?  No one moved in?  Info, anyone?

Chocolaty

I constantly hear reference to two separate buildings in the area being called The Chocolate Factory. Are they both former chocolate factories? The first contender sits on the corner of Washington and Park. I think it's pricey rentals.

OK, yes, it is. Here's the building's website. Looks like large 1br apartments (1k square feet) rent for around $2100, and the building used to be a tootsie roll factory. I've also heard rumors of there being a bar nearby called The Chocolate Bar (Google lists its address as 45 Waverly Ave.), and that it may or may not be a gay bar. Where the hell is this place, and why haven't I ever seen it? It does seem to have a MySpace page. (More on this tomorrow.) Then, we have what I think is the original "Chocolate Factory" residence, on Spencer and Myrtle. This place is condos. Here's more info from Corcoran.

Now that I've lived in the area for awhile, I'd probably live in this place. But if I was checking it out for the first time? Man, this area is desolate and crappy.

So, which is it? Which one is THE Chocolate Factory?

An intensive Google search reveals that our area was once the second biggest chocolate-making area in the country. No wonder I feel right at home here.

Lot for Sale

Corner of Greene and Grand. Hopefully it won't be sold to someone who builds something douchey.

Vanderbilt Yards: An Alternative

UNITY 2007 -  Community Planning WorkshopContact: Rebecca Ferguson (917)348-3741

Community to Develop Alternative to Atlantic Yards Plan

UNITY 2007 Saturday, April 28 10 am – 4 pm Registration opens at 9:30 (free & open to the public) Hanson Place United Methodist Church 144 Saint Felix Place Brooklyn, NY

Looking to the future, community members create UNITY 2007, a Community Development Plan.

Brooklyn, NY – As developer Forest City Ratner (FCR) makes plans to start demolition and clear the way for a planned sports arena and multiple high rise towers in Brooklyn, and as two law-suits that could stop or radically alter the project hang in the balance, an alternative development plan for the neighborhood is gaining steam.  Local residents, politicians, neighborhood organizations, churches, architects and planners will gather on Saturday April 28th for a one day community workshop and design charrette to create the UNITY 2007 Community Development Plan.

Started in 2004 with the support of Council Member Letitia James, and under the leadership of local architect, Marshall Brown, the original UNITY Plan (UNITY stands for Understanding, Imagining and Transforming the Yards), endeavored to bring community stakeholders and professionals together to plan for the development of the 8.5 acre Vanderbilt Rail Yards–a key piece of public land within the Ratner proposal–and promote affordable housing, small businesses and open space without the excessive density of the FCR Plan.  The UNITY 2007 Workshop will revive and expand the original UNITY plan.

Project watchdogs, critics, and opponents are convinced the project will not happen as proposed and want to be prepared with an alternative plan under anticipated scenarios. Participants in the day long planning meeting will discuss housing, jobs, design, open space and transportation.  They will talk about options for the neighborhood if some, all or none of the FCR project is completed.  The result will be an updated set of plans for the future of the Vanderbilt Yards.

"The Forest City Ratner project is definitely not a done deal.  New York development history shows that mega projects like this often die in the final stages.  The UNITY Plan will show New York some real and exciting options for development of the site." Tom Angotti, Director, Center for Community Planning and Development

"Given the Mayor's release of his PlaNYC 2030 environmental sustainability strategy and the failure of the FCR plan to address environmental, traffic and fundamental community needs the UNITY charrette will address how we can properly plan and develop the "yards" to meet our city's present and future needs." Ron Shiffman, Former New York City Planning Commissioner

The UNITY 2007 effort is sponsored by the Hunter College Center for Community Planning and Development, and the Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods.

Meetings & Events in the Hood

Mark your calendars, and attend if you can: 1.   88th Precinct Meeting with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly

Tues., 4/17/07, 7:30 pm, St. Luke's Church, Washington Ave. between DeKalb/Willoughby

Everyone welcome.  Your opportunity to raise questions about crime, safety, etc.

2.  Rally against demolition of historic buildings for contractor parking

Wed., 4/18/07, 8:00 am, Flatbush/Atlantic Ave.

Everyone invited.  Show the powers that be that demolition should be prevented until the law suits are settled.

3.  Town Hall Meeting with Councilperson, Letitia James

Wed., 4/18,07, 7:30 pm, St. Luke's Church, Washington Ave. between DeKalb/Willoughby

Learn about the 16 story building proposed for Washington Avenue behind Kum  Kau Restaurant.  This building would extend from Washington to Hall.  The proposed building is out of scale for this 3-4 story brownstone block and not compatible with the proposed Wallabout Historic District or the proposed zoning change.

4.  Huge side-walk sale on Clinton Avenue between Myrtle and Greene Ave., Sat., 4/21/07.

5.  Society for Clinton Hill House Tour Tickets:  available at the Farmer's Market, Tillie's, Outpost, Pillow Café, Sister's Hardware, YU Interiors, Choice. $20 advance sale.

5.  Brooklyn Friends of Chamber Music Recital

Sun., 4/22/07, 3 pm, Lafayette Presbyterian Church, Lafayette/So.Oxford St., $15 at the door.  Information and advanced tickets: 718-855-3053

Lexington Construction

Saw this construction site over the weekend on Lexington between Grand and Classon, but the work permits just say it's going to be a "new building. Anyone know what's up?

Friday Photo

(Franklin at Lexington)

Demolition on Grand?

I recently received an email from a couple planning on moving to Grand Ave. They've heard there's some demo going on near the Grand-Lexington intersection and were wondering if it's noisy or problematic for nearby neighbors. Anyone nearby who wants to weigh in and share some info on this demo/construction project? (And BTW, "Mirror's on Grand" is STILL not open.)

What's This?

Saw this new building on Steuben Classon, just north of Myrtle. It doesn't really look like apartments, so what is it? It's becoming very difficult to keep up with new construction in the neighborhood.

Friday Photo (early)

I'm departing this afternoon for a long weekend spa vacation!  So here's the FF, one day early...

(Myrtle at Kent)

construction

i know i should be immune to all of the ugly/shoddy buildings going up in our neighborhood, but this latest one intrigues me:

it's on greene avenue, between grand ave. and classon ave., closer to classon, on the south side of the street.

it caught my interest because it looks like it might not be residential. and what exactly is going on with the opening (window?) on the bottom right? it looks like it spans two floors...

...but what would be the purpose of that? and if it's not residential, what is it?

anybody know anything about this?

(UPDATE: The following photos are from commenter David6of7, taken on his block on Waverly showing very similar construction:)

Myrtle Development

Finally, the new MARP blog is taking some of the mystery out of all the new buildings appearing all over Myrtle: Myrtle at Steuben

Myrtle at Clermont 

The building at Clermont will look like this:

At least it's not too tall, but it sure will be weird to see this on Myrtle!

SCH Meeting Recap

I noticed a lot more young people at last night's meeting. At first, I was psyched. But then I realized they were probably all Pratt students who were collaborating on the Broken Angel Project. 1. Clinton Hill House Tour: May 6, 2007 Lots of volunteers are needed, ranging from sponsorships to serving refreshments and house-sitting. They need 150 house sitters alone! Even if you don't volunteer, you should check this out. It's a great way to peek inside at some of the neighborhood's most intriguing homes.

2. Newcomers Welcome Pot Luck: Feb 23, 2007, 7pm

3. Composer Robert Wilson is being honored at Pratt on Tuesday, January 30. Call 718-636-3657 to RSVP.

4. 70 Lefferts Place was landmarked and saved from being demolished to make room for a 7-story condo building.

5. Atlantic Yards:* There are two cases being developed against the project: - Failure of the ESDC to: consider alternate plans, consider worst-case scenarios (terrorism), properly comment and respond to community questions (providing misleading information), produce a realistic environmental impact study - Challenge to the use of eminent domain. In order for ED to be legal, the result must have a public purpose. The lawsuit argues that the public purpose in Atl Yrds is a pretense.

6. Broken Angel: Arthur and Chris Wood spoke briefly, as did Shahn Anderson. Much of the wooden structure at the top of the building will be dismantled to meet fire codes, but will then be rebuilt per Arthur's design using steel. The design may include a revolving whale on top. The building will be turned into condos, and a community art space will be erected in the lot next door, also per Arthur's design. The expected completion of the project is a mere 12-14 months!

7. Next Meeting: Feb. 21, 2007, Refreshments at 7 pm, meeting at 7:30, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, 357 Clermont Ave. This will be a joint meeting of the Fort Greene Association and the Society for Clinton Hill. Topics will include Atlantic Yards status report and an update on many of the other development projects in our neighborhoods by Councilperson Letitia James and more. *The Atlantic Yards portion of the meeting took up the bulk of the time, and really went on for far too long. The attorney who spoke gave a fine presentation, but the floor was open for questions for an unacceptable amount of time, considering most of the "questions" were just rambling comments and statements. Yes, this is a very important issue that will affect our neighborhood. But such in-depth discussion should be corralled and saved for a meeting dedicated to this project alone. By the time Broken Angel came up, many people had left or become restless.

Broken Angel Will Go Condo

Thanks to Brownstoner for the latest info on Broken Angel.  Looks like the precarious building top will be dismantled and the building will be converted to condos.  Thankfully, it will also accommodate artist and community space, and the conversion will take place with help from local developer Shahn Anderson.  I've never met him, but he seems like a good guy. I suppose all things considered, I'm OK with this plan.  I hope the community space will be home to some sort of gallery dedicated to the building's long history, with lots of photos of the building as it is now. More from the NYT here.

Store rumors

I did a little snooping yesterday, and have heard from various brokers in the area the following: --the Pratt Area Community Council recently showed the Bodega's space to North Fork bank. (Why not Commerce? The world's greatest bank?) --the store above the Academy Diner on Lafayette will become a clothing store (will I be able to afford anything more than a T-shirt? Doubtful.) --the old French Cleaners on the corner of Lafayette and Cumberland will become a cafe, not a 7/11 as has been rumored.

Liquors Syndrome at Washington and Myrtle

Received this request for info from one of our readers:

Do you guys have any info at all about the ongoing condo development on Washington and Hall, just north of Myrtle (behind Kum Kau)? I'm a neighbor on Hall Street, and I have been watching the site with concern. It was presented to me as a 40-unit luxury condo project comprised of 2 towers around four to five stories tall. But since the old warehouse that used to be there was torn down in the spring of 2005, there hasn't been much action at all. Any clues?

Maybe there was a delay in development approval? This is not my forte, per say, but one of you out there may know who's behind this alleged development and its delay. (Again, why must everything be so pokey around here? Maybe this building's delay is for the best, but no one likes gazing at an empty lot!)

Meetings Tonight

1. Cases to be heard on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006 by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Everyone welcome. Sign in to testify. 1 Center St., Municipal Building, Manhattan, 9th floor. Go to www.nyc.gov/html/lpc to see complete schedule. 12 noon 447-449 Clinton Ave. Application to add extension to Waverly Ave. Carriage House, excavate back yard and add iron work on roof of carriage house.

12:30 pm 173 St. James Place Application to demolish existing 2-story 1850 house damaged by fire and replace it with a large 4-story building.

2:15 pm 473 Clinton Ave. Application to modify work done without permits. Addition at top to be modified. Facade to be modified. Front yard/area way to be excavated to expose cellar door and wall.

2. Next 88th Precinct Council Meeting - Everyone welcome to meet with the police to discuss issues of crime and areas that need attention.

Tuesday, November 21, 7:30 pm, Seventh Day Adventist Church, 88 Hanson Place.