Avalon Fort Greene Growing Like a Weed…Repost

I want to repost this after getting a nasty comment from Andrew Baranello, a project manager at Avalon Bay.  His comment speaks volumes as to why I used the term “growing like a weed”.  He feels that “if I think I can be a better mayor I should run, otherwise keep my comments to myself”..  Does he seem on edge?  If you think your project is such a great addition to the neighborhood why are you so agitated by a post on a neighborhood blog?

Andrew, anyone who doesn’t think development went out of control in this city must be blind.  If you can find someone without a vested interest in the project who supports it I’m open to debate but you are clearly biased.  Your paycheck depends on it.  I’ll repeat my opinion…  I’m all about improving the area but projects such as yours which are out of touch with the community have sucked the soul out of parts of this city.

Click on the Comments link to view Mr. Baranello’s thoughts on my original post…

Image from brownstoner.com

This building is technically not in Fort Greene and I’m not a fan of it’s 41 stories of luxury rentals but it’s coming regardless of what I think.  I wonder who’ll be renting there.  There’s a whole lot of supply on the market when it comes to high rises these days.  Given the tax abatement situation I knew they would need to break ground but this building and 80 Dekalb are going up quickly.  I’ve got a feeling it will be basically become a post college dorm like the Avalon Bowery.  We see what’s happened to the Lower East Side over the past few years.  Let’s pray the same doesn’t happen in Fort Greene.

The developer driven rezoning and “high- rise condofication” of the city has resulted in rampant overbuilding.   At this rate Bloomberg may have trouble getting re-elected (okay I know he’ll spend whatever necessary to win). That being said, his approval rating has plummeted and it will only get worse as city services (MTA, NYPD, NYFD, libraries, etc.) are cut back.  I don’t think he’s very empathetic of those with less than 7 figures in the bank.  His almost Napoleonic, self righteous behavior (third term, refusing to send out rebate checks, etc.) as of late has definitely rubbed me the wrong way and I actually really liked the guy.

Here’s a story from The Brooklyn Eagle discussing the building…

New theater for BAM

Looks like BAM is planning to open a new 263 “black box” theater behind the Gilman Opera House.  See this article from playbill.com for more information…

Sexual attack on St. Felix

Here’s information from Brownstoner on the recent attack…

“A young female doctor was assaulted, raped and robbed at around 5:45am on her way to work at Brooklyn Hospital. The attack occurred on St Felix Street between Fulton & Dekalb. Supposedly, the attacker dragged her down a stoop and hid behind some garbage cans. As far as I know, he got away. This was a very bold sexual assault – outdoors in freezing weather in the middle of a residential block on a garbage pick up morning and around the time the NY Times delivery guy comes by.”

BAM’s Artistic Ambitions Grow…

I was in DC for the Inaugural festivities so I’m just now catching up on things…   BAM’s profile continues to grow as it improves and expands its cultural offerings.  I hope everyone takes advantage of this iconic neighborhood institution.  A New York Times article recently discussed the organization’s ambitious financial goals.  $300 million in 5 years and they’ve already crossed the halfway line.

Beer garden at the former Seven Corners Hardware location?

The location has been vacant for over a year but I recently heard from a friend that it is going be a German Biergarten!  While I’m not the biggest fan of German food, I love German beer The store wasn’t that big so they must be utilizing all the storage space in building out the beer garden.  They hope to open in April.  Hopefully this rumor will become a reality.

Boxing at the Masonic Temple?

It looks like Gleason’s, one of the oldest boxing gyms in the country, is promoting a fight card which will take place on February 3rd at the Masonic Temple on Lafayette.  See this article for more information.

Wednesday Crime Time

Image courtesy of The Brooklyn Paper

This week’s Police Blotter is relatively benign.  No violent crimes but it’s probably not a good idea to leave the keys in the ignition while you’re out running errands…  A 22 year old driver did just that and watched as the thief drove off.    My sympathies to the owner but you aren’t in Kansas anymore…

New president for the Fort Greene Association

Paul Palazzo is the new president of the Fort Greene Association, a group focused on the preservation and development of the neighborhood.  Palazzo says this year the group will work to foster a better sense of community as well as providing more opportunities for home ownership.  For more information see this article from the Fort Greene Clinton Hill Courier.

One Hanson going rental

One Hanson is the only new luxury condo development I would consider purchasing a unit.  That being said, it seems the sluggish economy has slowed sales in this historic building to the point that the developer will be renting out unsold units.  I guess monthly cash flow is more important than return on equity at this point.  The mortgage still has to be paid and empty units just don’t help.  See this article from The Brooklyn Paper for more information.

Inauguration Celebration on Dekalb

28 merchants, cafes, boutiques and stores on Dekalb Avenue are participatiing in an inauguration celebration offering discounts and special deals on their food and merchandise from January 16-20.  Click the image above or go to the URL below for more information.

http://www.historicfortgreene.org/