The bubble had inflated prices across the board in Bushwick to where a house at the end of the world was the same price as one on top of the Jefferson L. Now we’re seeing a cooling off on the south end of the neighborhood, and 175 Covert is no exception. A disclosure — I have been on this block and it is total crud. However, the house looks decent and is quite large. It’s a legal two-family but we all know it’s a de facto three. Fill this house up with tenants and you might be able to live here nearly rent-free.
175 Covert Street | $370,000
2565sqft | 19ft-wide | 2-family, 2ba | frame
Wilson L/Halsey J
BushwickChill February 25th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Judging by that interesting character on the steps, even at $370,000 it’s not worth it. Tenant-landlord housing court for sure.
Kojo February 25th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
How is this character “interesting”?
Armstrong February 26th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
pretty shit-tay, if I do say. don’t do it, renting is where it’s at for the next couple of years. the housing market’s too big a gamble, and so is this area.
John Dereszewski February 26th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Jeremy, with all due respect, I think your description of this block as “total crud” is a tad over the top. First, many of the new buildings, sponsored by the NYC Partnership, closely resemble those residences that received positive reviews from you in the recent Cooper St. “House of the Week” page. Secondly, most of the remaining buildings are pretty solid wood frame structures that, despite poor restoration and a lot of wear and tear, are still pretty solid. (About the one or two “Fedders Specials” that have intruded into the mix, we are in complete aggreement.)
So, while you can reasonably call the housing on this block eclectic – or even disjointed, as a poorly coordinated suit is – the crimson letter of “crud” is clearly not warranted.
In saying this, I must confess that I have a real soft spot for this block. During the 1970′s, it had to absorb the blows of several devastating fires that basically destroyed all of the lots now occupied by the Partnership housing. At that time, it seemed that the remaining residents would just give up and let the whole place go to waste.
But this did not occur and, instead, the block came together and strove to survive. The Block Captain, who lived on 174 Covert, was Ms. Maud Sykes, one of the most formidable persons that I have ever known. Maud faught relentlessly for the block and made sure that bureaucrats like myself earned their pay. Maud was especially committed to replace the fire destroyed empty lots with affordable housing. Unfortunately, she die just before the Partnership homes became a reality.
Beyond fighting for community development, the local Block Association ran some of the best Block Parties I ever axperienced in Bushwick. People like Ms. Sykes, in short, valiantly faught to ensure that this very troubled block would live to see a better future.
To paraphrase a statement that Daniel Webster once said before the Supreme Court: Covert Street is a small and not the most distinguished block in Bushwick, but some of us love it.
Just hope someone buys the place and helps to make the block even better.
Emily February 28th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I’m on a block of Covert Street not too far from here, and I think it’s great – for the price. $950 utilities included for a 2 bedroom? On the subway line I can take to both work and school? Definitely not crud.
Jeremy Sapienza February 28th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Covert is a looong street. North/east of Knickerbocker it’s a truly amazing place with adorable architecture and well-maintained homes. In the other direction, parts of it can be some of the most depressing parts of Bushwick.
Also, $950 for a 2br with utilities included!? You should NEVER MOVE. :-D
mopar March 2nd, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Very interesting, John and Emily.