Public housing is slowly disappearing in Fort Greene…

Is this part of the “Master Plan”?   Not to be a conspiracy theorist but I don’t know about you but it’s difficult for me to believe all the larger condo/rental developments (Toren, Oro, Avalon, etc.) would be going up around one of the largest blocks of public housing in the country without some implicit agreement in place among the real estate moguls who run this town (ex. Ratner) that the projects would gradually “disappear”.   In the process tenants would be relocated to other areas so that gentrification can continue at full pace…  The incompetence and waste within the NYCHA is astounding.  I guess the empty apartments will eventually create a situation where the area can be deemed “blighted” and a developer can take over. Here’s the New York Times take on the situation.

Here’s some quotes from a Brownstoner post in 2007…

“In a Q&A segment at yesterday’s luncheon, Ron Hershco of United Homes, which is developing the Oro and another adjacent 40-story tower on Gold and Tech Place (so he’s incentivized both to have done his homework on the matter and to be perpetuating rumors that would benefit his properties, take your pick), said that it was his understanding that the Ingersoll/Whitman Houses were now 60 percent vacant and were going to be converted to middle-income housing…”

This statement was followed by this…

We just received the following statement from Ron Hershco’s attorney. “Ron answered the question based on what he had been told by Bob Scarano a couple of years ago. He has no current information regarding the Housing Authority’s plan. We apologize for any confusion.”

Sounds like someone got in trouble for sharing a little too much information about the master plan…

Beauty Parlor for the former Addy & Ferro space

Took a look at the work order.  It looks like we’ll be getting a new salon.  Not ideal for me but I do like pretty girls who know how to take care of themselves so maybe it’s a net positive.  That being said, I do think we could use some mid-range decent fashion retail.

Is No. 7 trying too hard?

I’ve been to No. 7 twice in the past week.  Once for drinks.  Once for dinner.  I was disappointed with both.  I think they are trying too hard.  The cocktails we had both tasted like cough syrup.  Although they used different ingredients they tasted the same, horrible.  It’s like they threw in every random ingredient they could so that it sounds cool on the menu.

No. 67 – Ported Apple, Tequila, Black Tea Liqueur

No. 33 – Cucumber, Thyme, Rye, Herbsainte, Bitters

The No. 67 and No. 33 cocktails use different liquors (tequila & rye) but you can’t tell what’s in it by drinking it. They both had the same purple tint and no real underlying theme with regard to taste.  Given the fact it cost $12, I had to force mine down before going to get real cocktails at Weather Up.

The same can be said to a lesser extent for my dinner. The Wild Striped bass was served in a broth mussels style.  The presentation was interesting but the dish was actually bland as the lobster broth pretty much concealed the taste of any of the individual ingredients.

Wild Striped Bass – shrimp, cockles, lobster broth, cauliflower

I wanted to order dessert but after my drink and dinner experience I was wary.  Then I saw that the one item I was interested in, the Guava-Apple Tart, included “menthol” marshmallow.  Is a “menthol” marshmallow really necessary on a guava-apple tart?

Guava-Apple Tart – menthol marshmallow, orange blossom mousse

I knew I should have gone to Stonehome…  I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal there.

No. 7 please go back to basics.  You’re trying too hard and it’s obvious.  Right now you’re batting about .250 and I don’t think you’re going to get too many more at-bats.

Review – Diamante’s Cigar Bar

Finally had to time to check out the new spot on S. Oxford.  I went in with a friend and relaxed while watching some football.  The place is very comfortable in an old men’s clubhouse kind of way.  The host/bartender, Dallas, was really nice and well informed on the variety of cigars they have to offer.  They have inhouse brands as well as more established brands.  They serve only beer and wine but you can bring your own bottle.  Two huge “smoke-eaters” keep the place from getting too cloudy with cigar smoke.   I could see it getting a little crowded on weekends as the place isn’t huge but overall a positive experience.  I’ll definitely be back.

Bodega Update

It’s official…  The Fort Greene Food Market has been sold.  I spoke with both the old and new owners earlier today.  Here are some of the changes we’ll see…  Higher prices, different beers, no tobacco sales, less focus on latin/hispanic products.  I don’t think we’ll see those huge mounds of bacon anymore.  They are still transitioning the store but I expect that process to be complete in the next week or so.

The new owners seem nice enough but personally I will miss the old owners and the latin vibe of the spot.  I guess they held out for quite a while.  I wish them the best.

New ownership for the Fort Greene Food Market?

Looks like the owners of my favorite (i.e. closest) bodega may be selling…  The formerly all Dominican staff is now South Asian (not sure exactly where so I’m using the broadest term I can).  Not making any kind of racial statement here…  Just stating the facts.  Prices have also gone up.  This particular bodega was always cheaper than others but now prices are comparable to Greene Farm, Fresh Garden, Lafayette Grocery (closed for renovation), etc.  I walk in to buy my normal six pack and it’s now $12 rather than $9.50.  The new guy tells me the price is the same as it’s always been…  Like I don’t know what the price has been for the last few years.  Not a good start.  At least maybe they will stay open past 9:00 now…

Props to Caffe e Vino

Photo courtesy of NYMagazine.com

While it is a little pricey for dinner, I’ve got to show love for Caffe e Vino.  It is, in my opinion, by far the best Italian in the neighborhood.  The fact that most of the staff’s first language is Italian gives you an indication of the food’s authenticity.  The service is also fantastic.  The feel is a little old school.  I’ve only been three times and the guys remember me like we’re old friends.

New venture from the owners of Smoke Joint and Peaches?

I noticed that Ben (one of the owners of Smoke Joint & Peaches) loitering in front of the former Picnic space on Dekalb.  Looks like they are looking to expand their local empire…  Does anyone know who the leasing agent for that space is?  I’m curious about the monthly rent…

Fort Greene goes big for Bill Thompson

While I had a feeling Thompson would do well in the neighborhood the NY Times block by block map is very interesting…  I would think that gentrification would have resulted in a larger turnout for Bloomberg.  The “nicest” blocks (i.e. most expensive) in the neighborhood, S. Portland and S. Oxford between Dekalb & Lafayette showed more support for Mayor Mike than other areas but as a whole Fort Greene did not support Bloomberg in his quest for a third term.

What are your thoughts on why this area supported Bill Thompson?  How did you vote in the election and why?

New Cigar Bar in the hood?

I heard of a new cigar bar at the corner or S. Oxford & Fulton in the space formerly occupied by an accountant.  I have yet to see or visit.  I’ll report back asap…