Fedders Friday: Luxury Friedrichs Edition

June 20, 2008 ·
Filed under: Fedders Friday, Greenpoint Magic 

Earlier this week my buddy over at Queens Crap and I were talking about this nugget of joy entitled “Greenpoint Lacks Luxe Condos” from The Real Deal. Here’s a snippet:

Greenpoint is an outpost of under-developed space. The neighborhood has been left largely untouched by luxury developments and rents can be as low as $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment. Houses can still be bought for under $600,000. However, a few luxury developments have made their way into the community, notably Magic Johnson’s Viridan…

Clearly whoever wrote this has not set foot in this neighborhood— or we have differing opinions as to what constitutes “under-developed”. Speaking for myself, I think the conversion of this distinctive neighborhood into some petit bourgeois bedroom community/resort is progressing quite nicely. It does not need any “help”, thank you very much. Just take a look at this beauty going up on Newel Street.

What was the architect thinking when he (or she) decided to pair red brick with olive green and pigeon shit gray stucco? Seriously. Is this person color blind or did he think employing this jarring combination of colors was making a “statement”? Note the patch of yellow paint on the first floor. I am hoping against hope this is primer of something, but my gut instinct tells me otherwise.

Perhaps what The Real Deal was trying to say was Greenpoint is lacking in tasteful development. In which case, yes, we are definitely slow on the uptake. As for a $1,300 a month one bedroom, I wish these guys would tell me where it is. I haven’t heard of an apartment going for that price in years.

Miss Heather

P.S.: What really gets me about the “tone” is this tome is The Real Deal makes it seem like having a dearth luxury condominiums is a bad thing. Not every neighborhood can or should become a playground for the affluent. Just ask the folks who earn the median income here: $30,000 per year.

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: The Marlboro Man

June 20, 2008 ·
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic 

From Herbert Street.

Miss Heather

THIS WEEKEND: Greenpoint Tour

June 20, 2008 ·
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic 

This Saturday, June 21, Word Books will be hosting Adrienne Onofri, the author of Walking Brooklyn. Ms. Onofri is scheduled to conduct a free walking tour of Greenpoint! The tour starts at noon so be sure to get there on time.

Word Books
126 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222

Happy sightseeing!

Miss Heather

The Reign Of Advertising Terror Continues

June 20, 2008 ·
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic 

Not content with tormenting Crosstown Local patrons with images of deformed feet, the MTA has kicked it up a notch with this advertisement touting “Hongo Killer”. It is emblazoned on a B61 bus headed to Ikea Terminal.

This is Mr. Hongo. Or would that be Mr. Killer? This sexually ambiguous little character might be cute, but what he seeks to eradicate is most decidely not.

A one hour bus ride and negotiating swarms of errant house apes are child’s play compared to the horror that is el hongo. Ikea crazy Greenpointers have your Metrocards ready, your chariot to affordable Scandinavian style has arrived!

Miss Heather

Williamsburg Photo du Jour: Walk, Don’t Climb

June 20, 2008 ·
Filed under: Williamsburg 

From Grand Street.

Miss Heather

It’s Official

June 19, 2008 ·
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic 

Papasito’s has taken over Ton Kao II’s space at 999 Manhattan Avenue. For those of you keeping track this space started out as San Diego Restaurant, then it became Toluca La Bella, Ton Kao came in last year and now it is back to serving Mexican food again.

I cannot honestly say Ton Kao II will be missed much by my fellow Greenpointers (we have plenty of other Thai options here). But that doesn’t mean they will be forgotten. Just today a woman told me about ordering a salad there back in November. Among the lettuce she found a piece of wire. For what’s worth, her dining companion had an even worse item laying in wait for her delictation: a used band aid.

Yummy.

Miss Heather

Williamsburg Photo du Jour: Hard Hat Hydrant

June 19, 2008 ·
Filed under: Williamsburg 

From Manhattan Avenue.

Miss Heather

THIS WEEKEND: WORMS!

June 19, 2008 ·
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic 

Lest this upcoming Saturday’s scavenger hunt or Mermaid Parade leaves you wonting the peeps at McGolrick Park have a very special event planned that might tickle your fancy.

Judging from this illustration I’m guessing earthworms will be the star of the show. But who knows— maybe roundworms, pin worms or tapeworms will make a cameo appearance? Life is mysterious! I suppose one will have to go to this in order to found out.

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Pulaski Bridge

June 19, 2008 ·
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic 

I found this piece of ad hoc art or hooliganism (depending on one’s perspective) last night as I was walking to the Creek and Cave in Long Island City. Someone took the time and effort to trace the New York City skyline using blue plastic recycling bags. NICE.

Miss Heather

Attention MTA

June 19, 2008 ·
Filed under: Long Island City, Williamsburg 

I suspect I speak for many when I say we really like the new bus shelters you have been erecting in north Brooklyn.

However, you might want your proofreaders to pay a little more attention to annoying little gaffes such as this. Jackson Avenue is in Long Island City, Jackson Street is in Brooklyn. When a transit authority botches street names it doesn’t exactly foster much faith with the bus-going public.

Just a suggestion.

Miss Heather

Photo Credit: Will Nunziata of Collars Up. The same people who created this hilarious film about the Ikea opening in Red Hook. Check it out!

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