This sounds fun!
Bushwick Walking Tour
July 21, Saturday 1:00 – 3:00 pm
This walking tour will focus on central and southern Bushwick, as a complement to the exhibition Up From Flames: Mapping the Recovery of Bushwick 1977-2007 . Led by curator Adam J. Schwartz and Bushwick historian John A. Dereszewski, the tour will explore Bushwick’s central core that had been devastated by fire in the 1970s, beginning at the site of the largest of Bushwick’s fires, the “All Hands Fire” of July 18, 1977, an event which helped to turn around the firestorm. On this tour, we will see the fruits of that success, the preserved housing stock of Southern Bushwick , as well as some of the newer buildings that are changing the face of Bushwick. Current and former residents are encouraged to participate. Highlights include the 83 precinct house (site of the “all hands fire”), Bushwick High School, the new Bushwick firehouse, St. Martin of Tours Church, and Irving Park.
Meet at the Myrtle-Wyckoff L Station, at the corner of Gates and Myrtle, at 1:00 p.m. Tour will end at the Wilson Avenue L train station at 3:00 p.m. Free.
Cindy L July 20th, 2007 at 1:07 am
This looks like a great event. I hope everyone can make it.
Horray for SoBu! it made it on the tour.
Never knew where the new bushwick fire house is but it will be nice to see where it is.
Fires and Bushwick are not a good thing!
david July 20th, 2007 at 9:29 am
What always bothers me about these walking tours (i have been on two) is how they seem to almost completely ignore the arts and music scene that has contributed to much of the change in bushwick over the last 10 years. Sure you could quibble that alot of that stuff is happening in “east williamsburg” but the truth is that most people consider the warehouse district to be Bushwick. It just seems silly to ignore what is probably the most significant sign of gentrification in an area that most thought would never improve. The tours I have been on seem to focus on several churches (which are beautiful) and Hope Gradens Projects, plus the mansion row of Bushwick Avenue. Which is all fine and good, but really not what people think of when the rise of Bushwick is spoken of these days IMO.
Jimmy Legs July 20th, 2007 at 10:05 am
well, they did just have the whole bushwick open studios thing. i’m not sure how you can cover the arts scene in a walking tour, esp during the day :)
these tours seem to be more about the history of the area, namely the issues surrounding the 77 blackout.
but if they find a way to make an arts/music tour, i’ll be there! and hopefully i can do this tour since it ends near mi casa.
david July 20th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Yeah I get what you are saying. But I think that taking the tour across Flushing to show the Morgan/Bogart section would really drive home what has been going on out here over the last decade. The loft buildings are IMO just as significant to present day Bushwick and probably more so than the churches and mansions across Flushing. They are certainly more emblamatic of the “new” Bushwick. If anything else it is a more obvious sign of change to show a walking tourgroup (many of which come from outside the hood) than walking around on Broadway and pointing up to old company logos in fading paint on the side of the building or a church.
Matt July 21st, 2007 at 3:02 pm
I just got back from the tour – it was great, really informative. There were at least 30 people on the tour, it was nice to see that much interest. The group was pretty evenly split between young and old, locals and people from surrounding neighborhoods. Two tidbits of information I learned – Hope Projects were the last projects ever built in the United States and are among the most successful in the city, and Bushwick is the only neighborhood in NYC getting a brand new firestation (on Knickerbocker near Bushwick H.S.).
Armstrong July 21st, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I was there too. Me and my bud regrettably exited after about 2hrs. My dumb white ass forgot sunscreen and I am pink as a rose now. Grrrrr!
It was great tho. I am always looking for info on Bushwick online and it was great to see other folks in person with similar interests.
Matt July 22nd, 2007 at 1:08 am
Really? Who were you or what did you look like? I’m not trying to be stalkerish, but my boyfriend and I barely know anyone around here so it would be nice to recognize someone the next time I’m out. I was wearing a grey and white striped polo and I had a tan shoulder bag.
Bill July 22nd, 2007 at 2:04 am
Matt were you caucasian with short black hair, and your boyfriend was wearing a white t shirt. I thought you were both teachers in the area. There was another guy couple there, and I wasn’t sure if that was you two until you stated your shirt.
The tour didn’t let out until after 3:00 pm but I see you further stated you left early.
What did you think of the part where the guide said Bushwick has one of the finest collections of frame home. Meaning – the only place without majority of brick and brownstones!
Jeremy and Jimmy, and JenBlossom – did you make it to the tour?
Cindy L July 22nd, 2007 at 9:54 pm
It was a good tour. There were a bunch of male couples, so I’m not really sure who was who. Maybe I spoke to Jeremy or Matt and didn’t realize it. It was great how we got to see that block party in action!
Yeah, is Bushwick really famous for their frame homes? Thought people made fun of them for this.
Wickster July 23rd, 2007 at 11:43 am
It was good to see that much interest in Bushwick on the tour.
Jeremy and Jimmy did you make it on the tour.
Is everyone’s basements going to be dry today, or if not what’s everyone planning on doing.
Nothing like wet sheetrock in a basement…
jenblossom July 23rd, 2007 at 12:41 pm
My husband and I didn’t make it out this time because we had other plans, but I think JimmyLegs was there…?
Lindsey July 23rd, 2007 at 1:13 pm
I didn’t recognize anyone there, but lots of groups of guys so I figured Jeremy must have been there.
Jeremy July 23rd, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Wasn’t there, had plans.
Matt July 23rd, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I was in a grey and white striped polo shirt, I have reddish-brown hair, and I was by myself.
Haha – I feel like I’m on the “missed connections” section of Craigslist!
Lindsey July 23rd, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Sorry Matt I was confused I thought you said you and your boyfriend were there, but now I see it was just you. There was another guy there with reddish brown hair too. Do you know who I’m talking about? Not sure which one you were, as you both looked alike!
Where abouts do you guys live (not to sound stalkish), but I agree it’s hard to meet people, and some connecting place would be nice.
Well let’s consider this site as a way to keep in touch.
Just hope Jeremy can still keep up the site and partipicate, and remains in Bushwick for a little bit longer.
Jeremy – please don’t go so soon!
Chris July 23rd, 2007 at 4:49 pm
I wish the tour included some recommended businesses that are recommended.
Maybe we can have a contest for best Bodega?
True Bklyn July 23rd, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Yeah we need to know where to get some good food, even spanish or caribbean food, but I know of none in Bushwick.
Jimmy Legs July 23rd, 2007 at 6:51 pm
jimmy couldn’t get his act together and was moderately surprised he got out of the house at all on saturday. sometimes, 1pm is just too early.
Armstrong July 23rd, 2007 at 8:50 pm
I have dk blnd/lt brn hair and had a brown polo on and was with my bud who is shorter than me and mixed race. we both had sunglasses on and by the time we hit Bushwick HS, we knew we were not going to last much longer.
Tom July 23rd, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Armstrong, now I remember you. We weren’t sure if you and your friend had just met, and you had dinner reservations somewhere for the first date, and you had to split.
So what made you go on the tour? Live in area?
It was great to see couples there.
Matt July 23rd, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Yeah I remember you guys too – I split around Bushwick HS too…when I got home my Rudolph nose justified my early departure. We should organize a BushwickBK.com meetup somewhere around here!
John Dereszewski July 24th, 2007 at 6:38 am
I was the one who made the comment about the wood frame houses, and I stand by it. If you walk through southern Bushwick from around Wlson to Broadway, you will find block after block of some of the finest one and two family attached wood frame housing in Brooklyn. This is really one of Bushwick’s overlooked resources. I had originally hoped to include a few additional wood frame blocks on the tour, but time constraints didn’t allow it.
Judging by the comments, I’m glad that you found the tour interesting, and I really thank this site for advertizing it.
Armstrong July 24th, 2007 at 10:11 am
LOL – Actually, it was a date, and not the first! We meant to go to Jeremy’s BBQ but missed it.
On the tour, they mentioned that there had been another, previous walking tour. Did anyone go on that one? What sections of Bushwick were explored on that one? I’m bummed I missed it especially because I’m imagining that it covered Knickerbocker and the park which I consider my front yard. There was a gay pride parade there last month that I didn’t find out about till after the fact. http://www.nyblade.com/2007/6-22/news/localnews/bushwick.cfm
Those folks have balls and I salute them.
Armstrong July 24th, 2007 at 10:23 am
PS, I live right on Maria Hernandez park – Starr St. side. GREAT view of the park, a huge apt, (illegal) roof access w/view of Manhattan.
I’m getting to know my neighbors in the building: an interesting mix of hipsters and long time locals. My landlord here by far isn’t the worst but has a long way to go.
My first apt in Bushwick was on Harman St by Knickerbocker (2001-2005), then Stanhope by Myrtle (2005-07), and now Starr since June.
True Bklyn July 24th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Armstrong – we need to be giving a tour next time. Most of us are new to the area, but you have really been around the area for a while. It would be interesting to see what changes you have noticed.
We’d be interested to hear what made you move to the area. Most people probably have said cheap rent and bigger apt. (by the way just how huge is your current apt?). But there have been stories about Maria Hernandez park and why it was named that way. It would be interesting to hear what you think about it now, and how safe or nice it is to live there.
Did Jeremy have a BBQ on the same day of the tour?
Bill July 24th, 2007 at 11:14 am
John D. it was GREAT tour given by Adam and yourself. I love how you shared your commentaries, and the information you so generously shared with us. It was great to see dedicated people who care about Bushwick.
I guess what I was getting at is that frame houses are often seen (at least in NYC) as less desirable than say a brownstone, or a brick building and often more cheaply built. I guess what I’m getting at is what you mean by “finest”. Does that mean better frame house than elsewhere either in NY or outside of here?
I’m also not sure why it would be considered a resource. I say this only because I have a frame house in southern bushwick, and my decision was based on what I could afford. Yet outside of NY no one frowns on frame houses as much.
I just wish when people hear I have a frame house they wouldn’t think less of me.
Yes, I agree this is a good site to connect people who are concerned about Bushwick. You were a great contributor to the tour including your insite into the fire, and the history of the area. Thanks for your time that day and valuable information.
Henry July 24th, 2007 at 11:48 am
I think what was meant by the comment was house after house is a frame house of certain beauty. You don’t necessarily have to compare them to a brownstone or brick, but take them for what they are – frame houses, and a large collection of them at that. While some of them might not have a grandeur of a brownstone, they are nice in their own way.
Can’t the same be said about stucco – very little historical significance with that. But the frame home will often characterized as being so massive in Bushwick.
Anonymous July 24th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Funny how the main contributors to this blog: Jeremy, JimmyLegs and JenBlossom didn’t make it on the tour…..
jenblossom July 24th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Anonymous – and your implication is…?
Jeremy July 24th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Um…yeah…that’s, uh, hilarious. I personally think it’s a conspiracy. dont u?
Abe July 24th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Great that Armstrong has been in Bushwick for so long. Looked at place around that park and most were over 8 or 10 family buildings, and not too well maintained. Armstrong, care to update us on what it’s like, especially since there are pros and cons living across from the park. Any drunks or drug dealings? Sounds like you are happy there.
Your knickerbocker locations sounds good too – near plenty of stores, but Stanhope and Myrtle sounds like it was right near the JMZ trains – any noise?
I missed the first tour also, wonder if they would ever consider giving another.
Surprised there may be a gay community presence here. Do you know how people are fairing in this area?
Tom July 24th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Armstrong you two made a good couple – good luck. Even though you apartment is huge, don’t rush into living together until at least 10 more walking tours! Where oh where are some good places to take dates in the area?
What are the differences between Hernandez Park and Irving Square. I know Jeremy likes the latter, but you like the former. I think one has a farmers market but I’m not sure what the other differences are.
How close are you to the subway?
Great to see someone with some time in the neighborhood on the tour and on this site.
Welcome Armstrong!
Armstrong July 24th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
wow – a fun thread. I feel so…validated! LOL. Seriously though, there are people that have been here FAR longer than I.
I moved to Bushwick as one of the last members of the slacker brigade. that has changed yet I’d been priced out of williamsburg and didn’t want that to happen again. I have an affinity for Bushwick, it’s hardscrabble aesthetic, and bad reputation. I like to watch things change and grow, and I am all for the underdog. that is why, although I appreciate quality of life changes and anticipate them, I support strong housing regulations and try and respect the fact that I moved into an established community and it’s entrenched problems and I don’t expect it to change overnight just because I’ve parked my white ass here.
I love Maria Hernandez park. I love Knickerbocker Ave. There is essentially no crime in the park, it is representative of the neighborhood and safe. It is locked at night and there are police cameras around the perimeter of it. There is a farmers market along Knickerbocker on Saturdays.
The apartment where I’m at is a railroad 2 bedroom. To have a view of the park; to look out of my windows and see green and fall asleep listening to the wind through the leaves; to have cross ventilation as I do on the top floor here, I would be willing to pay a lot more than I am.
Tom July 24th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
You seem like a nice guy Armstrong, and what you have to say makes sense. I agree about watching things change and grow. Knickerbocker Avenue is the shopping mecca of bushwick. If you and your bud are buying designer jeans there for $10 a pair I’ll really be amazed. The buildings around the park if I remember are all VERY large buildings — none with elevators. They all have double doors, and I think some on one side are really nice, and the other side not so nice with some boarded up buildings.
You sound very happy with your view of the park and apartment. I’m afraid to ask how many flights of stair you must walk up for a good view.
Wish I could leave my window open without hearing loud music from either cars or buildings.
Be careful what you say – if you’re willing to pay more for your apt. you risk being priced out of Bushwick someday especially if the most prized apts. in bushwick are facing the park!
Armstrong July 25th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
I’ll not be priced out of Bushwick. I am the proud leasee of a rent-stabilized apt which I cannot imagine giving up.
I have not explored Irving Sq Park much but despite any advantages it may have architecturally, it is still 3 subway stops further in on the ballyhooed L line and a further walk from the subway once out of it, than Maria Hernandez park. For me, it is about travel convenience more than anything. I am in the East Village in 15 minutes. More people realize Bushwick’s convenience everyday – hence the push toward gentrification.
The part of Knickerbocker that extends from M.H. park to Flushing has been historically more blighted than the other end of Knick, near Myrtle-say. I look forward to this area cleaning up nicely in the next few years as it is all that separates the Loftville/Morgantown area around the Morgan stop on the L line and M.H. park/Knickerbocker shopping.
As it stands, I am (somewhat morbidly-I admit) fascinated to live around the corner from two famous murders: Maria Hernandez, killed on Starr bet Knick and Wilson (1989); and Carmine Galante on Knick between Troutman and Jefferson (1979); as well as on a block that was one of the worst drug dealing blocks in the entire CITY in the 1980s.
Then again, I am originally from the south side of Chicago.
Adam July 25th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Hey ya’ll:
Very glad that you enjoyed the tour. Knowledge is there to share. I’m glad to let you know that the BHS was happy with the tour, and I’ll be doing it again next year. Hopefully, I’ll be offering other tours sooner through another organization. But in the meantime, it’s clear that you could indeed offer your own tours. The new Bushwick, your Bushwick, is a geographic overlay on those same streets we walked. It’d be interesting to see where they intersect.
Tom July 25th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Great job Adam. It’s not easy giving a tour of a place that has been through so troubled times in the past. We loved your spirit, and appreciate all the research you shared and the way it was presented. It was great the John, and the other teacher from Bushwick High gave their input as well. I hope Brooklyn Historical Society apprecaited the turn out, and wish they could have seen you in action (do they send spies??).
Please let us know when next year, and if it will be a 2 part series. I’m sure a bunch of us will want to get together and show a strong turnout. Please let us know when you are giving them again through another organization!
We should all think about giving our input to our version of Bushwick, to show how the area is changing and rising up from below.
Armstrong – I suspected a lot of those big buildings facing the part are rent stabilized. How on earth did you manage to fetch one? Please don’t tell me in addition to two bedrooms you have a big kitchen, separate living room, and dining room?!!
Since you tired out on the tour, I’m not sure how big you are on walking around Bushwick, and making it to Irving Square Park. You sound very happy in your own area. The only thing with the L line is that it’s often down and you have to take those shuttle bus. How inconvenient is that?
Just be careful in that area Armstrong. Although you are fascinated with the murders that took place there. It will be great to see the area change.
Anonymous July 25th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Great job Adam, and John. We really enjoyed ourselves.
Thanks to Armstrong for all the additional info too.
Adam July 25th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
So everyone: We are considering doing a 3rd walking tour at some point in August. John D. and I are in negotations now.
But this would be a tour of Northern Bushwick, and it would only really work if it were an interactive walking tour–not with so much of us talking and ya’ll listening and walking.
So, if you are in interested, please let us know, and you can be a part of what we create together.
Tom July 25th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Great idea – a lot of us are looking forward to this! Maybe if anyone has any suggestions on what they’d like to see, speak up! August is only next month and lots of us are hungry for more info on this emerging area.
Adam July 26th, 2007 at 8:23 am
So, I am starting a new thread for the next walking tour, scheduled for 8/11. See you over there!
Adam July 26th, 2007 at 8:34 am
You can read the thread here:
http://bushwickbk.com/forum/index.php?board=38;action=display;threadid=19060
BushwickBK.com » Blog Archive » Strolling Through Bushwick July 26th, 2007 at 9:57 am
[...] Saturday, I had the good fortune to attend the walking tour of Bushwick that Jeremy advertised in an earlier posting. Led by Adam Schwartz, curator of the Up From Flames exhibition at the Brooklyn Historical Society, [...]
Jill July 26th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Adam, and John did a great service in giving the tour. Judging from the interest it’s clear that people are interesting in this town. It will be great when more amenities, and a stronger formation of people start to unite here.
Leon July 27th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Sounds like it was a great tour.
Armstrong July 31st, 2007 at 9:46 am
I find no need to be more careful here than anywhere else. I take my street-smarts with me everywhere I go.
Yes, the buildings on the Starr St side of MH park look a little shabbier, but I believe that is a holdover from the fact that the corner of Starr/Knickerbocker was one of the worst corners in the city for drugs and gang violence for years, and has only recently begun to turn around.
There is a gut renovation going on in one building on Starr, midway between Irving and Knick. Apparently, they changed the number of units in the building. This could have automatically taken it out of rent stabilization. A friend suggested they might of taken it from 8 apartments to 4 – one per floor. Now those would be amazing spaces, close to 2000sf! My last landlord alluded that it might even be a condo conversion. We’ll see if anything nearly as spectacular is actually going on. At the very least, it will attract higher income renters and I support this as mixed income areas benefit everyone IMHO.
There’s an abandoned building more towards Irving on Starr and I imagine that the owner is just sitting on it until the changing neighborhood forces the value of the property to appreciate.
My apartment was scored through my old landlord who knew my current one through his father who owns a furniture store in the hood. I was lucky, indeed.
Most of the apartments on the Starr St side of the park were clearly built at the same time. I’d say sometime between 1901-1910 judging by the architectural attributes.
They all have the same layout: 5 room (including bathroom) railroad style, with two separate entrances per apartment and two apartments to a floor – 8 total per building.
I imagine that if I had to have a roommate here, I could but it would cramp my style for sure. I could see cohabitation w/a romantic partner being ideal. For now, my cats are living uncramped lives of luxury.
Are than any other renters out there? what’re your situations like?
Jill July 31st, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Okay, so Armstrong has his streets smarts in his back pocket whereever he goes!
How big are the buildings on Starr street to give you 2,000 sf per floor? I don’t see how this is possible unless the building is 40′x 50′. I mix of different incomes is good, but it’s often tough on those with high incomes since they are the newbies on the block, and must put up with a lot.
Sounds like you were on really great terms with your old landlord. What made you move?
What is the layout of your apt. I would imagine it’s 5 rooms also: 2 br, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Any idea how many square feet or how high the ceilings are?
Enjoy your apt. with your cats for now, but good luck in the future if you want some romantic company – you’ve got a great park for great walks.
jenblossom July 31st, 2007 at 3:49 pm
“I find no need to be more careful here than anywhere else. I take my street-smarts with me everywhere I go.”
Armstrong – I totally agree. I think that’s just basic common sense!
Our place was, I believe, originally a single-family home. The apartment we rent takes up the entire first floor, another couple rents the second floor, and there is a basement studio which has been occupied on and off. We share access to the back yard, but I will admit that since Dietsch and I have more direct access to it, we probably use it most often. The layout is pretty much railroad style. I don’t really think any of the units in the two buildings our landlords own really lend themselves to roommate shares, but they’re certainly roomy enough for couples. And cats. :)
Tom July 31st, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Yet you have consider that you are a newbie, newcomer to an area, and you stand out like a sore thumb.
I do think people will act more relaxed in places like the slope. Cuz over there it’s so many people pushing baby carriages, and doing bruch!
Jen – do the others in your house have to access the backyard through the basement?
I think your landlord can get in trouble if he’s using the single family house as a three unit building. Also be careful with people coming and going in the studio apt. downstairs. You’re not worried about casual people there and in your backyard.
yeah totally agree, you get more room out here, but often it’s railroad style.
Armstrong, what school do you attend and what are you studying. Would you ever consider encouraging other students from your school to come here, or do something to increase the amount of young people in this area so that diversity can thrive (moreso than it is).
yeah, 2000 sf seems crazy and insane. A big apt or loft is nowdays at 1,000 sf.
jenblossom July 31st, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Tom – Yes, the other tenants here do have backyard access through the basement, and we have the garden divided up equally. We’ve had three different couples living upstairs from us since we moved in and we’ve been lucky that things have gone pretty smoothly as far as sharing the yard.
As for your next comment, I can’t imagine that our landlord would get in trouble – like I said I believe this was a single-family home at one time because of the layout of the units, but I’m certain that all construction was done legally and with the proper permits (the male half of the couple who own our place is a contractor – I doubt he’d jeopardize his business).
As for the studio apt., I’m not actually worried about that either – there was an issue with the first guy who lived there, but the other person who has stayed there on and off is a family member of the owners, and he’s great.
Armstrong July 31st, 2007 at 11:34 pm
yes honey, streetsmarts! not to sound tiresome (I hate authenticity pissing contests) but I was mugged at gunpoint on Harman St in 2003. I have paid some dues here… OK!!!!
I’m not a newbie here. I’ve been in Bushwick since 2000. trust me, back then, when I’d see another white person on the street, we’d both jump, thinking we’d seen a ghost or walked unknowingly in front of a mirror!
frankly, I also have a somewhat unusual perspective: I grew up white-trash/working-class and my stepmother is black. I am fairly colorblind and I am grateful for that. I love my latin neighbors and love to bullshit with them on the stoop when I come home from work/school. some of them are even on (gasp) welfare! yet I try and see their humanity first. we live in a society that gives so little, I’m not going to begrudge someone being on welfare to help feed their kids.
I’m going to nursing school at a city college.. that’s what I’m comfortable disclosing here. I’m no wuss (or I wouldn’t be living in Bushwick) but giving out specific, identifying, personal information on a blog bugs me out a bit – sorry!
yes there are plenty of bad apples in this neighborhood (and I bitch about it aplenty in other posts) yet most long time locals are good people trying to work and raise kids; not just impediments standing in the way of your increasing property values!
the tone of some posts on here is quite sad in it’s callousness. but as much as I am smug about the bad attitudes of some of the long time locals towards the newcomers (because the neighborhood will improve despite their reluctance); I also am smug about the fact that despite how much it seems some of the new, land-owning folks would like to pack the oldtimers on a truck and get rid of them all within the next five years, it will NOT happen that way in this neighborhood! there is far too much stabilized housing, and activism in Bushwick, and there are Democrats sitting in office. so everyone it going to have to compromise, and frankly, I just love that!
as for measurements, I’m no expert and I forget I am posting on a real estate blog essentially! forgive me.
as I said, there are two apartments per floor in these buildings and though I’m not good at guess-timating, I know my apt is somewhere around 80ft long by 12ft wide with 9ft ceilings; so combining two apartments into one would give you…what? help me out.
lastly, let me say I love this blog and love hearing from other folks in the hood that give a shit despite how I may sound sometimes.
Armstrong July 31st, 2007 at 11:39 pm
PS – I moved from my last apartment because my landlord was selling the building (a small one w/3 apartments). Now as someone who had an epiphany in my 30s and decided to go back to school, I don’t have to worry about that anymore, cuz I’s rent-stabilized; my identity isn’t dependent on what I own (or not); and I’m proud of ALL of that my dears!!
Jeremy August 1st, 2007 at 9:25 am
This isn’t purposely a real estate blog, but it is a local blog that tries to cover almost everything, so by nature I think a lot of that ends up being about real estate or at least housing in general. Even on a real estate blog, I would think it’s WEIRD for someone to ask the dimensions and layout of your apartment!
Armstrong August 1st, 2007 at 11:28 am
ok. figured it out, my apt is 830sf, so two combined into one apt would be 1660sf, yet you would also not need as much room for stairwells if there were only one apt per floor so they could possibly add more space to the apartments if they were reconfigured. all of this, mind you, is conjecture on a very boring day at work.
Adam August 1st, 2007 at 2:19 pm
for those of you who would like to contribute to the 8/11 walking tour, please check out this google map!
Tom August 1st, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Jen, is the landlord safe with people going through the basement? Imagine if you had a tenant that wanted to do some damage down there with the plumbing or electric. Glad the other tenants and you are working out.
My point is that if the house was laid out as a single family they probably sliced it up for a 3 family which means the size of your rooms and how they are configured might be strange. Does anyone else feel werid besides Jeremy? Aren’t layouts and sizes important. Look at the real estate round up posted. has anyone ever checked out those places to see if they are all too good to be true (layouts and sizes are important I feel but anxious to hear from others).
I don’t think there is anything wrong with asking the dimension of someone’s home and their rooms. These are real estate issues, but also related to one’s life. Just like some families don’t like railroad style because it disturbs others in the house. Thanks Armstrong for taking the time to measure your apt! If that’s what you did. Sounds like a great place. 80′ long sounds VERY unusual. You sure about that? In that case each room must lead to the next including the kitchen and bathroom. Sorry about your mugging, I hope you were okay and that you weren’t injuried or your identity or money too badly taken. Did the police help, if you reported it.
I think many white people feel that way now when another is met in passing. It’s natural because whites are the minority here.
White trash? Are we talking Jerry Springer material here?! Or just blue collar laborers trying to make ends meet?
The question is whether you think those welfare people are milking the system or it’s really a question of many kids to feed and someone has to watch them, thus welfare $$$.
No deal about the school and identity stuff. It just about getting to know people and wandering what kind of people moved to Bushwick, and why. Someone said the area will never have a Wall Street type here. Thanks for the compliments about liking to hear from others on the blog. It’s good to talk and discuss, so lets keep it up?
The idea of the long time residents hold out while gentrification takes place is tough. How would anyone feel if someone moves into their area better dressed or appearing to have more money than them. Don’t you think there might be some resentment.
Armstrong you don’t seem to be driven by what others think of you. so I guess material possessions, jewelry are tokens you’d just assume do without. Way to go!
Armstrong August 2nd, 2007 at 11:41 am
So what if a small number of people are milking the welfare system! They applied for benefits and were accepted, beyond that, what business is it of yours? Clearly they are still poor. There is, after all, no one that I see in Bushwick living in a mansion w/a chauffeur, getting food stamps!
You want to talk about welfare fraud, let’s talk about corporate welfare: obscene corporate tax breaks, outrageous eminent domain abuses.
According to http://www.propertyshark.com, our lot is 100×25 ft. There is a tiny back yard. So yes, my building is definitely, say: 75-80 ft long.
Armstrong August 2nd, 2007 at 11:43 am
PS: one room leading into the next is what a RailRoad apartment is, and that is what I have.
Armstrong August 2nd, 2007 at 11:48 am
Sorry, I’m hijacking the thread, I know, but I keep reading other things you’ve said..
Look: when I first moved here, I would not see another white person for DAYS at a time in this hood – and I am serious about that.
That is SO not the case anymore. All I have to do is look out at the park and I see other whitey’s within 5 minutes or less.
Lu August 8th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Lots of those buildings around the park are 6 families, and long. This means presumably 2 or even 4 apts. per floor.
Although I believe there is a restaurant on the corner that blasts spanish music at all hours of the day and night.