Greenpoint
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Culture on the Cheap
Breaking In Williamsburg: BUSTED!
I have just received word that 112 North 6 Street (AKA: Zip112) has been vacated by the Department of Buildings for being an illegal hostel. Apparently there were up to sixteen people living in each “apartment”, no sprinkler systems were in place and there was no means of “second egress”, e.g.: fire escapes. My buddy over at Brooklyn 11211 has some interesting things to say about this development. You can read ’em by clicking here.
Miss Heather
UPDATE, March 28, 7:59 p.m.: It would appear there was not one, but two hostels operating at this location. Zip112 has been allowed to continue operation. Aaron Short has the full run-down here.
UPDATE, 5:16 p.m.: Here’s an update/statement of Assemblyman Joe Lentol’s office.
Northside Williamsburg Building Evacuated for Being Illegal (and dangerous) Hostel and a Fire Hazard
Assemblyman Joe Lentol has just learned that a building in his district, at 112 North 6th street is currently being evacuated by the FDNY and the buildings department for being an illegal hostel. Also on site are the Office of Emergency Management and the Red Cross. According to information given to Assemblyman Joe Lentol’s office the building is zoned commercial but had been divided into 12 apartments with up to 16 people living in each apartment for a potential capacity of 192 people. Lentol’s office was also told that there were no fire escapes or sprinkler system and no secondary exit should an emergency arise.
“My heart goes out to the people affected by this and I am very relieved to hear that emergency services and the red cross are available to them. My office is as well,” the assemblyman added. “We are going to do everything we can to help the people affected and to ensure these things don’t happen in the future. I intend to work with the city and my colleagues in state government to find ways to improve the system to try to prevent this to the best of our abilities.”
“This type of situation, where people are being kicked out on the street, should not be allowed to occur in the first place. Its simply unacceptable. I never want to see people on the street in my district. I am very glad that the Department of Buildings is stepping in to ensure that everyone is safe going forward but I think we need to be asking ourselves how did it get to this point?”
“This is certainly not the first time people have been put out on the street because they find out that the landlord doesn’t have the proper zoning or safety requirements for what he is renting out. The other day a constituent told me that his real estate agent told him he could also live in the building he was buying to operate a business. He found out she was wrong. If he hadn’t checked for himself, he could have ended up on the street for violating the zoning and also lost a lot of money.”
“It points to a larger problem where too often the owners or the renters of buildings are trying to do things, or are being told by real estate agents that they can do things, on a wink and a nod and the people living there get the short end of the stick. In some cases the risk is monetary, in some of these cases of serious fire hazards they are risking much more”
“For some time now, my office has been trying to look at ways that we can try to remove the guesswork from the system so that when you move into a building you know what you can and cannot do with it, you know whether the owner has a certificate of occupancy, you know the legal situation of where you are living, so that we can avoid this,” said Lentol. “This situation the perfect example of why we need to do that. It put peoples lives in real danger. That cannot happen again.”
“I always believe in prevention first, but now that we are in this situation, I will be sure to work the Mayors office to help everyone involved. And then we focus on learning from our mistakes.”
UPDATE, 10:22 p.m.: It would appear the New York Post is on the story. I’m happy one of my commenters could be of assistance. Who needs to do research when they sit on their ass, surf the Interwebs and get it for free?
LAST GASP: Help Wanted
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, Culture War, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Anonymous writes:
Hmm..so I was combing craigslist for food/beverage jobs in Williamsburg, which I periodically do when I’m feeling angry at never getting paid to write, and came across this listing which looked funny:
Commission payout averages $8.00 – $12.00 per hour. Exactly what constitutes a “commission payout”? This is beginning to stink. Big time.
Anonymous goes on to write:
That “hostel” is apparently the same as “luxury” loft rental building “The Glove Factory” on Graham Avenue.
That would certainly appear to be the case. Anonymous (who has proven him/herself to be very resourceful), goes on to ask:
Anyways, I don’t know much about “mixed-use” buildings, and maybe I’m missing something here, but can you have a part-rental/part-hostel building? Because if I was paying those ridiculous rents, I’d be pissed that part of my building was a hotel.
Your wisdom on the matter will be greatly appreciated!
And no, I will not be applying for that job.
Well, there is no Certificate of Occupancy on file.
But this might be illuminating!
You can read it all here.
I know, you’re just as surprised as I am. In closing, I would feel remiss if I didn’t share City-Space’s description of the Glove Factory Lofts in its entirety. It’s a hoot!
The Glove Factory Luxury Lofts We welcome you take a step back into the heart of Old world Brooklyn with the latest renovated loft building- the Glove Factory. Built at the turn of the century and preserved to its original grandeur, the Glove Factory includes many of her original attributes including exposed brick, timber columns, rod iron doors and wood flooring restored beautifully as if it was built just yesterday. Once inside the lobby, you will be taken back to a much simpler time where horse drawn carriages ruled the streets and the Dodgers called Brooklyn home. Built with modern architectural elements, every apartment features an open style loft living experience including 14ft ceilings, original beams, exposed brick and century old factory doors. Each loft has its own character as not one is the same as the other. Although restored with original historical components, the lofts have been modernized for 21st century New York life. Sound proof windows, state of the art designer kitchens, contemporary living rooms and luxurious baths ensure that every convenience grants you the lifestyle you have earned. Slow down and enjoy a drink at the roof deck while embracing magnificent city views. A fully equipped gym is located conveniently in the building as is a laundry room, bike storage, stroller storage, Fresh Direct storage, business lounge, free wifi and a 24 hour Kim’s International Market.
Just like the good ol’ days when there was a servant class, horse-drawn carriages, state-of-the art kitchens, free wifi, stroller and Fresh Direct storage!
Miss Heather
P.S.: Get a load of this bit of subliminal advertising.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Greenpoint Lofts Going Rental…
and residential? The latter being the in the true north Brooklyn tradition (READ: illegal living space).
Not only are there “for lease” signs gracing the place formerly known as The Greenpoint Lofts but I have intriguing information from a tipster we’ll call Q. It started like this:
Hey Miss Heather,
My name is Q and I stumbled on your blog during my search for a work/live space. I noticed you had quite a few entries about the place I was considering on 231 Norman…
This raised some serious bells and whistles for yours truly. You see, 231 Norman is by definition (and Certificate of Occupancy) a commercial space. Living is not allowed. I brought this and a number of other concerns to this person’s attention including (but not limited to):
1. The slew of complaints and violations for this property per the Department of Building’s Building Information System…
2. What happened at 239 Banker Street). He/she replied:
…No, the property was not advertised as live/work space. I saw it as a commercial property and I thought it would be possible to convert because the set up of this particular building seems to lend itself to that quite well. On the other hand, I think there is a bit of wink-wink-nod kind of thing going on about the whole live/work set up. I had a pretty big discussion with the realtor about putting in some amenities to make it a work/live set up and he informed me that there are people who have done that in the building. In addition, he didn’t say that my plans to convert the place to make it more “livable” was anything illegal. Of course, if one is to be a cynic, one could say that he is just eager to make a sale…
If 239 Banker has taught a number of unfortunate folks (and yours truly) an unpleasant lesson it is this: exercise due diligence. Do not take a broker’s word as gospel. This is not to suggest there are not reputable, ethical, dedicated brokers out there. There are— but there are many who are not. Especially in these lean economic times.
It goes without saying that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and do not fool yourself into thinking that illegal conversions (even if given a blind eye by the developer and/or the real estate agents who represent his/her) cannot or will not effect you.
They can and will. The last I heard the residents of 239 Banker Street have yet to get back their deposit money. There’s a distinct possibility they never will. Don’t become a statistic.
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Day Ender: Much Ado About Edge
No, not that Edge, this one!
Anonymous writes:
Hi Miss Heather,
I enjoy reading your blog from time-to-time and especially appreciate the news on the developments around the neighborhood.
I’d like to share with you some information about a building on the Southside, in hopes that it can get out to others who deserve to know… So, here goes:
The building has a retail space in the bottom which is currently owned by the developer and being rented to a John Suarez, who is running it as a gym, called Cutting Edge.
Well, there are many problems here:
1) The space isn’t zoned to be a gym
2) He is occupying space in the basement and using it for classes and workout space when it is only supposed to be used as storage
3) There’s no proper emergency exit from the basement
4) He’s illegally (i.e., with no work permit) installing showers/bathrooms in the basementThe biggest problem of all is that John Suarez has been forbidden by the Attorney General to ever operate a gym. A few years back he had advertised the opening of a new gym in the neighborhood, called Core Health and Fitness. He never opened the gym, even after taking people’s money. He was ordered to pay back $172,000 in restitution, but I know for a fact (a neighbor was a victim of the scam) that people did not get their money back…
As you can see my anonymous friend has a lot to say. Let’s take a break for a moment and evaluate points 1-4.
1. The space isn’t zoned to be a gym
This is, in a manner of speaking, correct. You see, 117 South 3 Street has no Certificate of Occupancy on file. None. Zero. Zippo. Therefore, the fact this building is occupied at all— be it by tenants or businesses— is an issue. Then again (and this is where it get really interesting), this depends on which 117 South 3 Street you look up. You see, for some inexplicable reason this building has two Building Information Numbers (BINS): the latter has a Certificate of Occupancy on file. Not that it allows the basement to be used as a commercial space: it doesn’t.
Point numbers 2 & 3:
He is occupying space in the basement and using it for classes and workout space when it is only supposed to be used as storage… There’s no proper emergency exit from the basement…
Okay, I haven’t actually been in this building so I cannot verify this. Which brings me to to point number 4:
He’s illegally (i.e., with no work permit) installing showers/bathrooms in the basement.
Now this one I can prove! You see, the Department of Buildings paid 117 South 3 Street’s basement a visit last month.
In fact, it even netted him a Stop Work Order.
Not that this appears to have done much, mind you:
How this tale end? Will Mr. Suarez get caught— and if so, by who:
- the Department of Buildings?
- the office of the Attorney General?
- The Edge’s trademark infringement attorneys?
Or:
- have my tipster and my copyrighted material plagiarized by the New York Post? Flagrantly and without apology.
I suppose only time will tell. In the meantime, caveat emptor.
Miss Heather
P.S.: Those of you harboring any doubts as to whether or not John Suarez is behind this business (and is at large at 117 South 3 Street), Google the phone number on the below flier.
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
Yet More Fun At 184 Eagle Street: F**king FED UP!!!
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
(Formerly known as the Luxe Guesthouse)
Anonymous writes (in an email entitled I’m F**cking FED UP!!!):
OMG, the fun REALLY just doesn’t stop here at 184 Eagle.
Apparently, Sam Fruchter (the owner of the building, Best On Eagle) and a few tenants got into a huge fight about his lack of a valid Certificate of Occupancy and his continued attempts to rent apartments to more people than the fire code allows. The building has been illegally occupied for over 1 year.
He’s been quietly negotiating rock bottom rents with most of us, offering better units etc., to keep people who know what’s happening silent and honestly the price offered is better, but NOW I’m concerned. While searching for greener pastures (aka a new legit apartment), I found his newest POSTING while searching for new space in the neighborhood.
What F***king gives!!! — No matter how much we complain, no matter how much he says otherwise - He still continues to post ads on craigslist that CLEARLY and OPENLY state his willingness to SLEEP up to 6~ in a 2 bedroom apartment. ON CRAIGSLIST LONG TERM!!!! LONG TERM Miss Heather!!!
THIS MAN JUST DOESN’T KNOW WHEN TO STOP!!!! You CANNOT sleep 6 in a 2 bedroom – it’s against fire code…….He’s not even hiding it ANYMORE!!! Also, can 6 people even legally sign a lease in a new building that does not have a Certificate of Occupancy???? (check out the 3rd paragraph).
The six people disturbs me a little bit, BUT what REALLY disturbs me more, is his willingness to post it on Craigslist – IMAGINE how many he’s REALLY willing to allow to “sleep”, if he’s comfortable posting that on craigslist.
I don’t trust this guy. Now, I know for sure that he simply doesn’t care about the quality of life of his tenants. It’s all about the money. Look @ this ad Ms. Heather !!!! This apartment looks mighty familiar!!!
He’s working with two new guys*, but it’s the same CRAP, but NOW it’s LONGTERM! PLEASE call the telephone #Â and set-up your own “appointment” to fact-check.
NOW I AM REALLY OUT OF HERE, any one willing to sign a “lease” is not looking at the bigger picture!!!!
Sincerely Furious.
I have written about this property time and time again.
http://www.newyorkshitty.com/?p=21336
http://www.newyorkshitty.com/?p=20064
http://www.newyorkshitty.com/?p=19306
http://www.newyorkshitty.com/?p=15568
http://www.newyorkshitty.com/?p=15479
Nothing happens.
Same song, different verse. I wonder how long it will take the Department of Buildings to pick up the tune?
Miss Heather
P.S.: Anonymous later wrote:
…forgot the copy of the link (screencap — Ed. Note), just in case they take it down (learned that from you).
This makes me proud. In my three years of hammering away at New York Shitty, the fact this person took a screencap of said advertisement (which I annotated) made my trials and tribulations totally worth it.
*Where did Kisha Richardson, AKA: fizzburg.com go? Don’t bother looking it up here, look up “Luxeguesthouse.com“
New York Shitty Day Ender: Notes From “The Bounty”
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
Inasmuch as I think film shoots in north Greenpoint are becoming excessive* I have to confess a certain amount of curiosity about them. Hence why when I woke up early this morning I wandered down Manhattan Avenue to see how The Bounty was coming along.
Truth be told it was pretty boring. A lot of people with walkie talkies wrangling extras and pedestrians alike. Including myself.
From what I could gather the Uncle Sam on stilts had some stunt action coming. I didn’t wait. I had an appointment to get my hair cut at 11:00 a.m. and I was not about to miss it because:
- I really needed a haircut. My tresses have grown a life of their own. They were well on their way to getting their own zip code.
- Anna at Zoe’s gives a mean cut. Cheap.
But I did get some footage of a motorcade of wonderful vintage cars driving past the Greenpoint Hotel. If this following is any indication, 11222’s (least) favorite den of iniquity* will be preserved in perpetuity by “The Bounty”. Enjoy!
I also took a number of photographs. The following are my favorites. Enjoy!
When I told Anna that Greenpoint had become Bensonhurst today she made a very piquant observation:
Why can’t they film Bensonhurst in Bensonhurst?
Indeed.
Miss Heather
P.S.: You can see more pix of today’s shoot by clicking here.
*Step Up 3 on West Street, Boardwalk Empire on Commercial Street (though to be fair, they have their own sandbox to play in courtesy of George Klein) and this, on Manhattan Avenue. It’s a bit much. Really.
**Not only is Max Stark and the craptastic hovel he presides over party poopers on this ad hoc 4th of July, but his men are still busy at work at 239 Banker Street.
Stop work orders and no Certificate of Occupancy be damned.
Hence why Greenpoint has the first “transient hotel” that sports floor plans, kitchens, washer dryer facilities and no beds— unless you count those of the floral variety.
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.
More Fun At 184 Eagle Street
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
Last holiday weekend I realized how much I needed a vacation. To this end my day trip to the Bronx was just the thing to jolt me from my rut and get me out having a good time. This afternoon, however, it has been brought to my attention that if I’m looking for a swinging time I do not leave the borough. Hell, I need not leave Greenpoint for that I matter: I just need to saunter down to 184 Eagle Street. Anonymous writes:
Dear Miss Heather,
I am very sad to say that I also live at the now ramshackle shanty condo located at 184 Eagle Street… Similarly to the last resident who dropped you a note, I’ve come across some unsavory characters wandering around in, and trying to follow me into the building. After I shut the door before the last bunch could get in, the guy started yelling at me through the glass and randomly dialing numbers on the call box. I don’t feel safe here at all anymore. Indeed, it simply isn’t.
The building is a sinking ship and literally every resident (yes, we are the fleeing rats) with whom I’ve spoken has moved out or is going to very soon. The travesty, though not surprising, is that the owner is showing apartments to potential renters despite not having a certificate of occupancy. Me thinks this might be illegal, no?
I cannot wait to get out of this shit hole.
If anyone reading this is a resident of this “shit hole” I implore you to take photographs and/or shoot video footage and send them to me at:
missheather (at) newyorkshitty (dot) com
I would very much like to post them.
Miss Heather
From The New York Shitty Inbox: The Fun Keeps On Coming At 184 Eagle Street…
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
or would that be the Luxe Guesthouse?
Anonymous writes:
Greetings… I noticed that you covered the “shadiness” that is the development at 184 Eagle St. I am sad to say, I am a resident at 184 Eagle St, and unbelievably I am under a lease. I can tell you first hand that this place is basically a Hostel, and while most original tenants have found a way out of here, I am still trying (with my security/last month intact). Nevertheless, shady things keep happening at the building (the other day a group of girls at the door asked me if the “club” was open today, whatever that means).
Perhaps that D.O.B. complaint I found so amusing is true?
As you can see this was filed February, 5 2009…
and we’re still waiting.
In closing here are some screencaps of Luxe Guesthouse’s and Department of Buildings respective web sites for your amusement.
Since when in the course of requesting a reservation is one’s gender, nature of visit and nationality been relevant to secure a place to hang one’s hat. Oh wait, I forgot, this place is totally illegal!
1/30/09: the Department of Buildings takes note that 184 Eagle Street is a new building without a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
2/27/09: I am tipped off to an illegal hotel/hostel being operated at 184 Eagle Street.
2/28/09: I am tipped off that the powers behind Luxe Guesthouse have been canvassing Greenpoint businesses.
3/19/09: “Caller states there is an illegal apartment on the 5th floor”
3/19/09: the Department of Buildings takes note, once again, that 184 Eagle Street has no valid Certificate of Occupancy.
3/30/09: I beat my head against the wall once again.
4/3/09: The Department of Buildings notes the elevator at “182 Eagle” is not functioning properly. So they issue paperwork to the respondent:
Best Value Inc.
394 McGuiness Blvd. LIC, NY 11222.
Could someone please explain to me the previous timeline of municipal malfeasance? Let’s review:
- We have a building with no certificate of occupancy whatsoever.
- Yet it is inhabited by renters…
- and patrons of an illegal hotel/hostel.
- The Department of Buildings is clearly aware of C of O issue.
- They have cited the owners of this building twice for this offence.
- They have cited the owners of this building for an inoperative elevator.
- Yet the Department of Buildings has yet to figure out what many of us know already: 184 Eagle Street is being run as an illegal hostel/hotel.
Which brings me to this:
A Certificate of Occupancy is used for a number of purposes:
- to establish how a property is to be used, e.g.; residential, commercial, manufacturing, etc.
- it also establishes occupancy, e.g.; how many people can be in said space.
- it is used to determine taxes on landlords.
This building has no Certificate of Occupancy. Luxe Guesthouse, AKA: 184 Eagle Street, will only take cash, money orders, travelers checks and paypal. Can you say tax evasion?
Miss Heather
NYS Flickr Pool
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