Nearby Park

Grover Cleveland Park

 

In an earlier post, I had talked a bit about neighborhood parks. There was one specific one I mentioned in which I couldn’t remember the name of the park. I actually took a walk there over the weekend and now of course I remember the name of it: Grover Cleveland Park. It really is a nice park, especially if you have kids. I took some photos, but this blog site doesn’t accept jpeg images. The park has many benches and tables, a playground for kids, basketball courts, and so many big trees that shade the park really well. Plus, there’s a really nice skyline view of the city, particularly at night, though I think they now close the park after dark. The park is about 5 long blocks when you walk north up Stanhope St., ultimately ending up in Queens, on the corner of Grandview Ave and Stanhope.

 

Best,

A 4th floor tenant

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FW: 93-95 Wyckoff - A Private Oasis?

I hope the attached mailer image comes through for you all to enjoy...if not please see http://elliman.com/Listing.aspx?ListingID=761369&SearchType=sale to catch your very own glimpse of the Oasis in Bushwick.....

That building across the street is the most horrendous color that I’ve ever seen (it’s practically mauve..!) ....does anyone miss the old garage that was there before?!
This blog should be about more than the garbage cans... Any thoughts about condo-landia developing all around us......

Another development is on the way @ 950 Hart (across from Ctown)....the buildings for sale for 3.3mil.... see http://www.masseyknakal.com/search/search_frame_top.cfm

[3F] THE OLDER WE GET, THE YOUNGER WE BEHAVE

I've from time to time come to the 70wyckoff website and have noticed the various gripes about the building, it's upkeep and care.  The one thing that tickles me is the fact that it's the TENANTS doing most of the damage.  In particular - the announcement board (a very useful tool) is now a grafitti board for whatever tenant has decided to prove he/she is a child.  Why would ANYONE behave in such a manner?  If you have NO RESPECT for yourself that is one thing (and no one wishes to change it) but TRY to manage a modicum of respect for the 70 wyckoff COMMUNITY! 

 

Use your OWN WALLS for grafitti, throw garbage around in your OWN unit, no one can tell you how/what to do in your OWN unit.  PLEASE display some respect for the common areas.  Thank you for posting this, thanks for listening

 

3F

[3F] - responding to "TRACK LIGHTING" on your BLOG website

I got my track lighting (not a very long track) from home depot in the Gowanus area about 6 months before I moved in). It was very inexpensive and it's placed just before the entrance of the bathroom (the darkest spot in my place). The cording is white (matching the walls), so it's a really nice addition and portable (meaning it can be taken with you). The one thing that we made sure to do prior to moving in was get 2 ceiling fans and have someone (as they were building our room) put in additional overhead lighting. Any questions regarding this, please do NOT hesitate to visit 3F. We love to share ideas, make/meet new friends. Good luck with whatever you decide.

3F

MAY

[3F] - responding to QUESTION [???] on your BLOG website

I have to agree with you here. Alot of things that were stated would be done with the building and it's 'amenities' have not come to fruition. There was talk 2 years ago about hiring a window washing service...still waiting for that. There was talk of turning the gravel into a small garden or flower bed...nothing growing there but parasites from cat pee (no further discussion on that subject). I LOVE this building, compared to where I came from (the neighborhood leaves alot to be desired though). I feel comfortable, and at home when I put the key in my door. The money we're paying we SHOULD be allowed some AMENITIES or some changes. None of the landlords have even offered a new paint job (forgot if thats in the lease...lol). I just wish, for the hard earned money we're shelling out, we'd have something from our landlords to show for it.

MAY

re: JPEGs

Olivier...you don't accept JPEGs via this email, correct?  

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Neighborhood Parks

Over the last 5 or so years, I've gotten to know the neighborhood pretty well...and, yes, I suppose that it has been gradually changing for the best, but marginally at best. One thing to keep in mind is that Wyckoff Ave. is a really a dividing line. If you've had the opportunity to explore the area, you might've noticed that with each passing block south of Wyckoff Ave., it tends to get a bit rougher and more ghetto; however, with each passing block north of Wyckoff, it gets nicer and nicer. From our location on Wyckoff Ave, you only have to walk 3 or 4 long blocks north and you're suddenly in Ridgewood, Queens. On some nice weekend, take a stroll north and discover Ridgewood...even go so far as Forest Ave, because there are a lot of nice things to discover and appreciate.

 

The one thing that I'm disappointed in, regardless of whether you venture north, south, east, or west, is that there are virtually no quality parks nearby, making the lack of a community-shared rooftop garden all the more disappointing. There is Maria Hernandez Park on Irving Ave, just a block away, but it's south of Wyckoff, and for me not particularly enjoyable. Though it is a new park, having been renovated 2 years ago. There is, however, a really nice park (another one that was recently renovated), in Ridgewood. At this moment I forget the name of the park, but I believe it's near the corner of Stanhope and Grandview Ave. It's a nice place to take kids and it has a great skyline view of Manhattan...and the walk to get there is nice too.

 

Also check out: http://www.forgotten-ny.com/NEIGHBORHOODS/ridgewood/ridgewood.html for more information on Ridgewood.

 

All the best!

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a lot of gripe not enuf luv [3B]

i think we should consider ourselves lucky that, in this city with the prices far worse in manhattan, we have good space, a nice building, great staff and nice neighbors. sure i wish this were back in east village where i used to live, or on the upper west side or chelsea. but we all know what you'd be paying there.

 

there are some design issues with the building. i was shocked the first time i saw trash in the lobby one weekend. over time, i've come to realize that the outside courtyard is a wind tunnel, and every time you open that door natural suction pops the trash in. something needs to be (air vents diverting, flaps on the gates to keep blowing trash from outside out, etc?). second, while i love my PH neighbors upstairs, it would been fair of the building designers to have a common roof deck upstairs, while giving the PH a nicer amenity like a private patio and exclusive city view. both would have been appreciated. can it still be done?

 

all in all, it's a nice building in an up-n-coming neighborhood with great convenience to the best of the city. a few more restaurants and the new apts coming on line along with continued interest in this area will make it better. and we can all relish in the fact we saw it first!  don 3b

 

 

 

Net Gain [4F]

A couple of comments from your webmaster!

A couple of years ago as I was living in the Internet Bubble, my boss asked me to read "Net Gain". (You can order it from the link on the rightbar). What did I learn from this book? The power of community.

The very first day I moved in this building, I was schocked to see how much there is a feeling of community in this building. We are disconnected from the rest of the area. We feel safe (I do). We all have access to broadband wireless Internet - I never seen so many open WIFI networks in a building - we enjoy the 13ft ceiling and a lot of other things.
This is why I launched 70Wyckoff.com. I am an entrepreneur. You can read my other blogs or google me. I have employees. I am not a Union guy but when I feel something is wrong in my company. I don't shut down my guys, the opposite: I implement tools for them to share, to tell me what is wrong so we can fix it. Keeping good people (tenants) is not easy.
I was pretty upset when I saw, like you did, that my message is now erased in the morning. I think Elizabeth is a great person and this is one of the reasons I moved here. A good landlord.
Honestly, I don't believe we have to complain about much in the building and this is not the main purpose of this site. Lesly and Ray are doing a great job for instance.

70wyckoff.com is about sharing. Now I eat Sushi! Thanks to this site.
If we have ideas to make our life better in our building, let's go for it.

4F

PS When you post a message by email, please put in the title in [ ] your apartment number.
Thanks

re: how good we have it.... [???]

Yeah, this is Bushwick, but for nearly $1800/month we should have
continual garbage clean up, we shouldn't have to have garbage blowing
into the lobby, the landlord, should have someone cleaning and throwing
garbage out.
The porter works every Saturday morning, that is his job.
This is not a new thing. For the nearly 4 years of living in this
buliding, I have seen Leslie clean the area, and he does a great job of
it.

Talk about mold, the folks living in the front portion of the building
have been dealing with mold from the rain water seeping into the bricks
that were never sealed.

The complaints that have been posted are things that were promised but
never materialized. Many feel they were lured to Bushwick, or as the
landlord puts it "east Williamsburg" with promises of amenities.
For the rent they are charging, we should have it, because it is
BUSHWICK.

Next time you see garbage blown in from the street, in the lobby on a
Sunday when you are entertaining guests tell them "How good you have
it"

How good we have it... [???]

I read the post about the garbage/ lobby being an eyesore. It made me
think about where I used to live. Just down the block in an old
warehouse conversion, for 2.5 years. Talk about eyesore, imagine
waking up in the morning and the first thing you saw was a 10ft crack
in the ceiling covered in mold, or stepping out of your front door
only to dodge numerous piles of dog shit and broken glass. In the
evenings we would hear continuous outbursts of domestic violence. The
walls weren't sealed or insulated so not only could you hear
everything that went on with your neighbors, but your heat and
electric bills were in the thousands every season.
I saw Leslie this morning and I asked him why he was here on a
Saturday. Because of the complaints about the garbage area of course.
I thought it really sucked that he had to leave his family on one of
his only days off just to come here for an hour to pick up garbage
that blew in from the street throughout the night. If the garbage
area is really that bad, maybe we should suggest moving it to the back
of the building, but that may also cause problems for those who don't
want to walk so far. The thing is, you can never please everyone.
But what if we make positive suggestions rather then complaints. If I
see trash in the courtyard, I'll pick it up. This is Bushwick
Brooklyn people, not the Upper West Side. I think we all need to stop
looking so much at the outside and we all need to look more on the
inside, of our selves. How can we make it better, what can we as
individuals do to positively change this place and the world. We have
it soooooo good!

Rooftop [1B]

I too am wondering why there is no nice common area? And why do only
3 units need ALL of the rooftop?... even the unused area? And yes,
the "lobby" is really ugly. Not even a nice big mat at the entrance
to cover the permanent dirt stains. Not to mention the wall color...
although I will. I'm not a smoker, but if I was I'd like a nicer
place to have a puff other than next to the garbage cans. And a real
sad scene, a mother with her cute little blonde boy making bubbles on
a sunny afternoon... where else... out by the trash cans. Can't
something be done? My wife and I have only been here a few weeks so
we've got other issues to deal with right now, but the rooftop thing
really bugs me. And yes, they (someone) did mention the trash area
was to be a "garden" at some point.

Chris and Maria
1B

PS. Thanks for posting my image and link... although the link just
goes to my profile. My website is http://chrisborgman.com

Thanks, Chris

Track Lighting? [1M]

Hi.
I have a question about lighting in our units. Because there is no overhead lighting beyond the ceiling fans, we were thinking about adding some track lighting. Has anyone done this with any success? Did you do it yourself or have a professional come in? Any brand names or stores to suggest? We'd prefer not to blow the budget out on this...esp since I don't know if we'll take it with us when we leave...depending on how permanent it is.

Any help would be welcome!

Thanks!
1-M

Question [???]

Oliver...I get the impression that management at 70 Wyckoff doesn't like the website idea. The last few days it seems someone is erasing the white board in the lobby, as I noticed this morning. Have you heard anything from Ray or Leslie about the website? Maybe they're starting to feel some pressure about actually having to do something to make the building feel more like a community, because they haven't followed up with things that they've said they were going to do.

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Know Somebody? [4M]

Hi, my name is Meghan I recently moved into 4M with my boyfriend and
our 2 yr. old. We love the building and are so happy to be in our new
space. We lived just down the block for almost 3 years, for some
reason we can't leave the neighborhood. I have a small start-up
company with my sister-in-law from Southern California, we make
children's clothing. Being that it's a start up, and we're working
with almost no funding, I was wondering if anyone out there knew
somebody! I'm looking for a local screen printer, for small scale
projects. Also, anyone who has started a similar type of business
that can give some me advice. If you can or you know somebody, theres
a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies for you, with or with out
nuts....
That's another thing...anyone interested in a building bake sale?????
Thanks, Meg 4M

just saying hello [???]

been reading the site, been reading the posts, and who can miss the messageboard in the lobby? i wish i had come to the party upstairs on 4, me & my wife coco live almost right below you and when we came home saturday nite i didn't hear any music, figured it was over, maybe it was. but looks like it wasn't and went well per the post on the board downstairs. anyway, nice idea oliver this blogspace and hope to meet you and glad you created this site for us in the building. cool idea.

i like the idea of an artist's gallery in one of the vacant lofts. we've been here 1 year now and really like the neighbors and the building. lots of noise on the street, sometimes more than we need. my tv has reached its volume limits more than once. i'm down on the idea of a garden (get rid of those trash cans!) and yes, we need a rooftop deck for open use by the residents! if for no other reason (and i have a few good ideas on how to use it) just to have some open space with a view. how about movie nites on the roof, or a rooftop BYOB happy hour/BBQ on summer weekends? think it's time for a petition.....don

Re:the rooftop [???]

When I moved in here 3 years ago. I was told that the courtyard would be landscaped with potted trees and such.
Well, that hasn’t happened.
Funny, if they would try and do that perhaps it would end some of the wind tunnel of garbage that blows in to the building.
The lobby looks like sh*t after a long holiday weekend, you would think the building owners would want to keep the appearance of a pretty place, to attract more tenants. And the garbage, ugh what an eyesore!

Re: The Rooftop [???]

I have been in this building for slightly over 3 years now. I remember at that time (when they actually had a broker showing the spaces; and, yes, I was a sucker who payed a broker fee) I was told that a nice garden area would be developed somewhere outside. I never actually envisioned it would happen considering there just doesn't seem to be adequate space anywhere alongside the outside of the building. What bothers me is that there is an entire rightside of the rooftop that could easily be converted into some kind of rooftop garden area, without it compromising the privacy or whatever of the people who live in the penthouses. Afterall, the people living in the penthouses (3 units) each have their very own patios, which are huge (and of course have stellar views of the Manhattan skyline). I just think that an equally nice rooftop garden area could be developed on the rightside of the roof (mega space there), away from the respective patio areas, as a place where all the tenants in the building can enjoy. It's ironic, out of 50-plus units in the entire building, only 3 units have the advantage of being able to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the building. Would my idea ever be considered? Doubt it...because I'm sure that the people in penthouse A, B, and C, respectively, would fight for that not to happen, sadly and unfortunately.

On another note, the trash and recycling bins along the brick wall outside are an absolute eye-sore. You'd think in a 50-plus unit building something a lot more practical, like a small dumpster towards the back, would've been considered.

-A fellow tenant

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More artists... [4F]

I knew I was surrounded by artists but ... WOW. How many talented people in this building.

What about a 70WYCKOFF Gallery? Seriously, I count today at least 4 amazing and talented artists in our building. I am sure there is an empty loft where they could exposed until it is taken. What do you think? It think it will be next month's poll.


Anyway, for now I suggest you vist Chris' online gallery. Now that I know we have a photograph in our building I won't spend $$$ for my next photos.

[PHA]

Hi,

I live in PHA with my husband Eddie and two children, Liam and Charlotte.

When we first moved in 2 years ago, I started a yahoo group 70Wyckoff, but not many people seemed interested so I eventually lost interest, too. I personally thought it was a great idea and loved the idea of keeping in touch with others in the building and discussing relevant issues, etc.

Around the same time, there was also a group of gardeners starting a project, which ended up being seeds planted in a baby pool behind the building. I believe all of those folks have since moved on…

Kerri

Bonjour Messier Olivier [1B]

Hey! I love the website, is good to know we are surrounded by such cool people. My husband (Chris) and I (Maria) just moved to the building (1B) and we both feel so happy to have found this place. Everyone has been really nice to us (Ray is exceptional!) and we feel so pampered and spoiled with all the commodities and the convenience of living in this area. I read your previous post about artists, I know you'll enjoy my husband's work if you are into Impressionism (so are we!), check out his website and tell me what you think: www.chrisborgman.com

Any scientists in the building???? I'm a biologist...

Oh well, see you all at the party!

Maria Baron

maria@chrisborgman.com

So many artists!

Obviously, loft = artist. That's what people think when you say I live in a loft.
What amazed me was to find out that we have so many artists in our building.

For instance, nobody is perfect, I am French. I am no artist but I fell in love for the Impressionists when I was young and had the chance to go to Giverny several times when I was young.
Why am I saying that here?
Because I recently met Josette Urso on the 4th Floor in our building.
Please tell me it does remind you of Monet's! It does to me.
Really impressive Josette.

She is not the only one.
Next week I pick another talented artist living in our building.

So many artists...

Party invitation [4G]

Hello!

I would like to invite you to the party my friend Kate and I are
having on Saturday, May 13, in 4G.

It's theme is overall GORGEOUSNESS and exuberant dress up!
Please,
keep that in mind!
This will be an event with music, films, lovely drinks,
breakfast and such.
It would be most wonderful if you could come!

Dasha and Kate

PS: Wine would be very welcome and appreciated!!!

Re: NY Times

I have seen the paper out there at times, all day or all weekend.

The papers most likely are being tossed in the garbage when its out there so long as at times it impedes foot traffic.
Also, its delivered very close to the gate. It could be taken easy from other side

Poll of the Month

A new idea came up this week: the poll of the month.
Now I need ideas for polls. Anything you think we should vote about, please send me an email at 4f@70wyckoff.com.
By the way, if you want your own address @70wyckoff.com forwarded to your existing email, don't hesitate. Same thing 4f@70wyckoff.com.

Need Roomate 3L

I'm moving to a different apartment in the building but my very friendly and considerate roomie needs someone to take my place. Knock on the door, ring the buzzer or email me if you are interested or if you know someone who wants to move into the building. Ask for me or Valiance. email me at- jglav@earthlink.net

John

Where is the Exit Button?

How many times did you have friends over looking for this %$@&* button to exit our building?
I had it several times. i suggest we put a HUGE sign aroung it because by night it is impossible to find. And minutes later, your friends are calling you, feeling stupid and asking: "We cannot find the exit button!"

More restaurants! from #3A

Hi everyone,

Stuart and I went on an extensive walk a few weeks back and I collected some
menus from the Ridgewood neighborhood. I called them tonight and they all
deliver to this area. They are as follows:

Fresh Taco: 799 Cypress Ave 718.821.6563 (6593) and (9898) Luckily they're
online @ www.freshtaco.com

Happy The Original Fresh Taco: Located right across the street from the
other one. This one doesn't have a website but claims to be the original
718.381.6669 (3599) The menu is very similar. This one seemed more authentic
somehow.

Ridgewood Eats: 903 Seneca 718.366.3287 This place has everything. All
burgers (turkey, veggie, mexican, avocado, barbeque, texas, portobello etc),
Every sandwich you can think of (philly, reuben, grilled chicken of all
kinds), all deli sandwiches, pressed panini's, wraps, salads (salmon,
nicoise, turkey spinach, cobb greek caesar etc), Pasta and Greek specials
(gyro), Many Iltalian entrees, steak dinners, meatloaf, corn beef AND
breakfast. (Belgian waffles, pancakes(with strawbs. Blueberries, choc chips
or bananas!), french toast, hand rolled bagels and english muffins. Lox and
tons of omelettes the list goes on and on.

Corato 1: 66-94 Fresh Pond 718.497.6177 (1662) Their pizza looked really
good! Typical italian menu and they say their pasta is homemade.

But we haven't ordered from any of these places yet so order at your own
risk!

In the next couple of days I will photo copy the menus and put some
downstairs. If you don't see one just slide a note under my door and I'll
make one for you and put it under your door.

Brenna #3A

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Hi. can you post this please?

Hi. Good idea to start this blog.

I have a really boring question. Is anyone having trouble getting the New
York Times delivered? In the past six weeks or so we haven't been getting
the paper on Sat or Sun. Don't know if someone is stealing them or if the
NYT suddenly can't seem to deliver here.

and, btw, if you're stelaing our papers, STOP IT!