Greenpoint
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Culture on the Cheap
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Happenings At The Greenpoint Hotel
Those of you who were keeping an eye on Brownstoner yesterday probably noticed a post entitled “Seedy Greenpoint Hotel Changes Hands“. Yes, it would appear our favorite flophouse has exchanged hands (along with a few “adjoining parcels”). For those of you who are keeping count this is the third time this establishment has changed owners in ten years.
Naturally it didn’t take long for something to find its way to my inbox— and it isn’t pretty. Laura writes:
Hi Heather! According to a neighboring store owner, the Greenpoint Hotel is being taken over by another landlord. According to tenants, it’s posted in the Hotel lobby. They also claim that as tenants leave, the rest are being shifted to one side of the building. Why? When all the tenants are gone, it’s going to be some sort of rehab facility. We really need to find out if that’s true. If so, N. Greenpoint is F&%cked
So let me get this straight: they’re moving the residents of this hotel— a number of whom have substance abuse problems— to one part of the building so as to (presumably) start a rehab facility in the other? This is diabolically clever. Not only has this property come with a built-in clientele base but if/when this (rumored) rehab facility opens their patients won’t have to go far to get a fix. It’s right across the hall! Genius!!!
If anyone has heard anything that affirms or refutes Laura’s tome please leave them via comments or send ’em to me via email at: missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com. Thanks!
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Day Ender: High Times At the Greenpoint Hotel
You can always leave it to the good ol’ Greenpoint Hotel to liven up an otherwise dull— if cloyingly muggy— Sunday afternoon in the Garden Spot of the Universe.
The above photographs were taken today at 5:50 p.m. After asking a few bystanders what happened (none knew) I finally spoke to a gentleman standing in front of the San Diego Laundromat (which is located on the corner of Clay Street and Manhattan Avenue in the armpit of this flophouse megaplex). Here’s what he had to say:
…It’s the guys next door. (pointing to the Greenpoint Hotel) This happens about five times a month. Always a false alarm. That’s why we don’t worry about it. Maybe one day when they come it will be for real?
I told him I hope that never happens— but who knows?
Not that this incident appears to have negatively impacted interest in the “warm*, cozy, cheap” rooms this establishment is offering. Why outlay money for cable to watch “Cops” or “Rescue Me” when you can live it?
For only $500.00 a month.
Miss Heather
*Per someone who is currently living there these “cozy” rooms are stiflingly warm— and stuffy. It IS August after all.
Greenpoint’s Newest Hostel!
Anonymous writes:
Hi Heather
My Dad and his partner live around the corner from me. on Clay St, a few doors down from 66 Clay St (the former methadone clinic) which somehow overnight has turned into a $20 a night hostel .
Dad tells me that in the past week, there has been anywhere from 10-20; what appear to be teenagers milling around the front of the building and on a picnic bench in the parking lot, smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, playing techno music dancing, having a general good time. Which no one should have a problem with, except the party doesn’t start until after 1AM and goes until sunrise
I’m going to try and spend a nice relaxing evening at Dad’s tonight in a bit of a stakeout to see if his complaints are valid
Ill keep you posted
What/if anything do you know about Marzili Hostel at 66 Clay St???
Hope you’re feeling better.
I’m operating at 90%, Anonymous (I’ll spare you the details about the other ten). Let’s start with what you have given me.
A web site purporting the “Marzilli” Hostel. (Click on the above image to enjoy the true hilarity).
Here’s the only Certificate of Occupancy on file. A residence for the mentally ill (a nice way of saying it was a methadone clinic). Which was , most assuredly, what it was.
Here’s what I saw today.
Some dude hanging out under a tent.
As to who owns this property. That’s where it gets fun! Per ACRIS:
The log-tossing goes on and on. My money is on Max Stark.
The person who gave the Garden Spot the gift that keeps on giving: the Greenpoint Hotel— a flophouse pretending to be a bed and breakfast. (Click on the previous link, it’s a pisser!)
The person who gives us 239 Banker Street: a hotel being utilized as luxury apartments, e.g.; The Sweater Lofts. STOP WORK ORDERS BE DAMNED! Since when have, and I quote:
New kitchens and bathrooms
Stainless steel appliances
HUGE awesome roof with views
MANY LAYOUTS TO CHOOSE FROM!
the previous amenities had anything to do with a “hotel”?
Your eyes are not deceiving you: this property has 46 “DOB” violations, 36 open, 42 “ECB” violations 34 of which are still open and a STOP WORK ORDER. Unpaid penalties and non-compliance. And yet they advertise.
Why not call the person responsible for this advertisement, Liz, and ask her? It’s pretty clear the Department of Buildings is unwilling or unable to do anything.
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Day Ender: It’s Move In Day At 239 Banker Street!
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
On May 31, 2009 Anonymous wrote:
i saw residents moving into the illegal, non-c-of-o, stop work ordered 239 Banker (neighbor of 259 Banker Street— better known as Studio B*— the edifice graced with the blue sidewalk shed in the background of the above photograph— Ed. Note) yesterday afternoon. Saw the Uhaul, asked the question myself. called in the complaint. they are advertising on C(raigs)L(ist):
Indeed they are! (To view a larger image click on the above jpg or any of the following jpgs.) What’s more, this hotel— oh, I mean loft— has its own web site! Here are some highlights:
Most importantly, no matter what time of day you come home, there will be a safe and cozy environment upon your return.
Hmm... this sounds kind of familiar. Wait— I remember— the Greenpoint Hotel has been advertising “safe and cozy” rooms for some time. Coincidence, you ask? Hardly: 239 Banker and the Greenpoint Hotel are both owned by my good buddy Max Stark! Let’s see what’s on the “Lofts” page, shall we?
From dinner parties to a quick fix after work, you’ll never be lacking space and functionality for your culinary excursions.
Heh, heh, heh… they said “fix”!
Ten minutes from the Bedford Avenue stop of the L? That’s kind of a stretch. But then again so is securing a permit from the Department of Buildings under the auspices of converting a manufacturing space into a “transient hotel”, offering two bedroom units for $2,100 a month in a building which— did I mention this already— has no Certificate of Occupancy?
Not that I really blame Max. If an illegal hostel can exist at 184 Eagle Street— for MONTHS— despite numerous complaints to the Department of Buildings why shouldn’t he get in on the fun?
But what would I know? My apartment building doesn’t have washer/dryer units on every floor. Maybe I should live in a hotel instead?
Miss Heather
UPDATE, June 2, 2009: After learning the very questionable legal status of 239 Banker Street Nicole has ceased to be the real estate agent for this property. No worries, now Liz is one the job…
and it would appear someone else is moving in.
*Whose rooftop terrace is still getting 311 complaints.
Looking For A Little Romance On Valentine’s Day?
Looking for a place to take your honey (or hubby) this upcoming Valentine’s Day? I suppose you could luxuriate at our local bed and breakfast* but my buddy over at Brooklyn11211 found a better deal. He writes:
Somewhere, a publicist has earned his wings:
two of Brooklyn’s coolest hotels – hotel le jolie and hotel le bleu[…] are offering the ideal Valentine’s Day Packages for couples wishing to experience a romantic rendezvous in Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhoods.
Amenities at Le Jolie from February 10-15 include (I shit you not):
- Accommodations for two nights
- Rose petals scattered throughout the room
- Chocolates upon arrival
- $50 American Express Gift Certificate (Based on a two-night minimum and one American Express Gift Certificate per stay)
- Complimentary continental breakfast
For only $219 a night! For a real pisser check out this site (the source of the above hilarity). You can read the rest of my Williamsburg colleague’s piquant commentary by clicking here.
Since when was 4th Avenue in Park Slope? Since when has “bumping uglies” on 4th Avenue or whilest overlooking BQE (sans illicit substances) been considered romantic for that matter? Then again who I am to judge? The Mister and I spent our honeymoon in the Bronx.
Miss Heather
P.S.: Big props go out to my friend Brooklyn11211 for posting this. It made my day.
*I have noticed a disturbing number of search queries on my blog’s “backend” for hotels in Greenpoint. For all intents and purposes there are none. Take thee loved ones and friends to Sunnyside. Do NOT send them HERE. This is not a hotel. The Greenpoint Hotel is a flophouse.
‘Tis The Season: Of Holiday Cheer & The Greenpoint Hotel*
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
From Manhattan Avenue.
Miss Heather
*Where last Friday night I spied a fresh-faced young woman brandishing a notepad interviewing a few of the residents in the vestibule.
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