Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
The Word On The Street, Part II: Work In Progress
Filed under: 11101, 11106, Gentrification, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens
Although I am totally certain Frank Jump has already covered this (because he has a Jedi master sense of such things), I am linking to his wonderful blog anyway. I want to give a shout-out of gratitude to the fellow working on this site who humored my shutter-bugging. He totally understood how ironic this was given Equal Pay Day came to pass just a week ago…
Greenpoint Photos Du Jour: One Day Later…
Filed under: 11222, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Wow, WTF
April 9, 2014, 5:00 pm
April 10, 2014, 11:00 am
As you can see, someone has seen fit to divest 977 Manhattan Avenue of its sign. Steve, the owner of Goldscholle and Garfinkel (and therefore, if one wants to be a stickler, said sign is as well), was surprised by this. Not that he was the one who discovered this has come to pass: he was not. He opted to take today off from cleaning out the space. He heard about it from a Greenpoint citizen. Speaking for myself, I am not the least bit surprised. Let’s face facts: $3,000,000 $3,900,000* (or even a 6% commission thereof) is a pretty strong motivator to have such an item removed. Just sayin’.
Here’s what has been learned: per the fine folks at the Fresh Stop (which is located next door) two men arrived between 8:00 and 8:30 am with a ladder and commenced to take the sign down. These two men, per the folks from Fresh Step, were not familiar faces from the neighborhood (and trust me: if anyone is in a position to know, it is someone who operates a produce stand). In any case, I serious doubt these fellows wanted this item— at least in its “new” state— to grace their home. It is was really, seriously, UGLY. It was intended to be as such.
It’ll be interesting to see if their “handiwork” damaged the Bronx cable which provides power to the gate. I suppose we’ll find out tomorrow…
UPDATE, 7:31 pm: it was intact when the Mister left for work this morning at 8:10 am.
*Per the listing at Miron Properties:
The building will be delivered vacant. Trust me. The “new” owner has done everything imaginable to make that happen.
Ms. Segal was the lady who not only asked Mr. Goldscholle to ask me to refrain from my “artistry”, but she later admitted to him (as he turned the keys over) that she had the sign removed. What’s a little petty larceny when there’s big bucks to be made, right?
The Word On The Street: PROGRE$$
Filed under: 11222, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Hooliganism, Stuff The Makes Heather Sad, The Word On The Street
Many of you are probably not aware of this but after a business calls it quits it is required by law to paint over its sign. Such is this fine city of ours: if you can imagine it, there’s probably a law on the books pertaining to it. As you can see, gentle readers, some artistic license has been taken here by yours truly. Yes, this is my handiwork. I volunteered to do this for Steve Goldscholle. He is a friend of mine. You are probably thinking this sullen utterance of revolt garnered a great deal of attention and curiosity (being as it is located on Manhattan Avenue and all). It most certainly did. Without argument the most amusing was an agent from the real estate office across the street (which has a listing for this building, the asking price is $3,000,000) running over and imploring Steve to make me stop. He replied that he was simply obeying the law.
This one’s for you, Steve.
Greenpoint Photos Du Jour: Manhattan Avenue
Filed under: 11222, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
Taken April 1, 2014.
For Rent On Clay Street: Six Bedroom/Two Bath
Filed under: 11222, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Wow, WTF
Don’t take my word for it: click here and see this modestly-priced $8,500/month pad for yourself. Wow. Just wow.
UPDATE, March 31st, 2014:
This appears to be the pad in question. They were busy yesterday (Sunday) making it look “presentable” to potential tenants.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day From New York Shitty!
Filed under: 11211, 11378, BULLSHIT, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Gentrification, Maspeth, Maspeth Queens, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
I know what you’re thinking:
What the FUCK is this and how does it pertain to St. Paddy’s Day?
Well, it has been yours truly’s observation that March 17th, not unlike Cinco De Mayo, is regrettably pressed into service so certain folks can go forth and act like drunken imbeciles. All they need is a location and an excuse (not unlike Santacon)— which brings me to where I found the above image: Queens Crap. Read on North Brooklynites, you’ll find this interesting.
Queens Crap reports that fire was in effect at yesterday’s “Flea Market” event at the Knockdown Center. Speaking as a north Brooklynite, I have seen my fair share of that shit. It is usually accompanied by drum circles.
The “blue bus”? Same thing. Reference my previous observation about drum circles.
Where it gets interesting for yours truly is here:
…It has also been brought to my attention that David Sklar is operating a niteclub/arts center at 15 Rewe Street in Brooklyn which is in a really sketchy area. It also was formerly home to a door factory owned by the Sklars, just like the Knockdown Center was…
I have a much different definition of what constitutes a “sketchy area” than my comrade in Queens. However, I can assure you 15 Rewe Street is owned by David Sklar. And hosting parties, however legally questionable they were, did come to pass at 15 Rewe Street. Let’s start by establishing who actually owns 15 Rewe Street:
15 Rewe Street LLC.* Okay, let’s check this out on the New York State Attorney General’s Corporation’s Database.
Hmm.
Perhaps we should check out the Department of Buildings BIS system?
Yes, this is quite interesting. Let’s go in for a better look!
Oh my, it would appear 15 Rewe Street (which is located in an Industrial Business Zone)— at the instigation of David Sklar— was planning a party.
A really BIG party.
For those of you who cannot read it (I for one could not), follows are the amenities this event/space had to offer:
Venue Details
70,000 square feet of indoor space
40,000 square feet out door
Located on a private street
MEGA production with L’Acoustics Sound, Lighting, Lasers, Special Effects, Video, and extra Video Wall, Large Concert style stage tons of extras
Live performance art
Multi Level VIP Risers
Chill out seating area for all with Sofa’s & Carpeting
Plenty of Bathrooms
Large Coat Check
Gourmet Food Trucks
Food on site
Multiple Bars
Conveniently located steps away from L train (Grand Street)
ATM’s on Site
All Major Credit Cards accepted
Liquor will be served
Bottle Service Available.
Smoking section outside on the water\
Dada Life Merchandise for purchase at the eventFOR VIPS
Private Bathroom trailers
Private VIP Smoking area
Separate Entrance for VIPs
Private VIP Bar
Separate VIP Sections with best views of the stage
What’s more, even Timeout New York was “on” to this whole “compound” thing.
Hmm. I wonder how this got past Community Board 1 Brooklyn or the State Liquor Authority? In any case and to wrap this up, the image gracing the beginning of this post is (by all appearances) from “Dada Life’s” New Year’s Party at 15 Rewe Street.
Which we have established is owned by David Sklar. Who had this to say about why the Knockdown Center should be granted a liquor license at Community Board 5:
Really?
*This is an alternate address for the Knockdown Center.
Yup.
Long Island City Photo Du Jour: BAMN & GILF!
Filed under: 11101, Gentrification, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Street Art, The Natives Are Getting Restless, The Word On The Street
Those of you who have not done so already can get the full skinny on this (which is gracing 5Pointz— or what was 5Pointz) by clicking here. Otherwise and in closing: if this looks vaguely familiar fellow Greenpointers, this is why. Well done!
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Dissent
Filed under: 11222, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
The ball is in your court, GWAPP…
The Great Outdoors…
Filed under: 11222, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Newtown Creek, Wow, WTF
Yesterday yours truly received a most amusing piece of mail. Yes: MAIL —of the “snail” variety. Without further ado, here it is:
This comes from my comrade over at Queens Crap. I have to say it gave me a good laugh. For those of you who are not in the know, the following should explain why.
A fellow by the name of Jens Rasmussen was recently featured in both the New York Times and CBS Local. He conducts wilderness survival courses on the premises of the North Brooklyn Boat Club. This is where our “new and improved” Greenpoint Boathouse (whose plans have yet to be made public) is to be located. Follows are a couple screengrabs of solicitations this chap has seen fit to post online.
As you see the latter clearly states these come to pass on the premises of the North Brooklyn Boat Club. Something to consider: as a general rule, for profit endeavors are not permissible on the premises on non-profit organizations. I mention this because word on the street is Mr. Rasmussen has stated that the North Brooklyn Boat Club has filed paperwork so as to become a 501(3) c . I feel compelled to note a recent search of the New York State Attorney General’s charities database turned up nothing:
Hmm— but I digress. This afternoon, the weather being downright lovely, I felt the need to explore the wilderness of Long Island City. I decided to grab a few shots of the North Brooklyn Boat Club’s premises (51 Ash Street) en route. Seeing is truly believing.
Um, what is that smoke-stack looking thing? Anyone?
Nowadays Mr. Rasmussen is asking $150.00 a head for his wilderness survival course.
I trust another $50.00 will be forthcoming, Crappy? in any case, follows is my favorite excerpt:
…Head to Greenpoint and meet Jens for an intro and explanation to bushcraft tripping skills, including the most vital things to know and what you can do in a variety of disaster scenarios. Learn valuable tactics like making a signal whistle from an aluminum can…
My advice: save yourself $144.00, purchase a six pack of Budweiser and figure this out on your own. Preferably somewhere that is NOT a Superfund site.
P.S.: I have every intention of creating a “boat club” snow globe. However, in light of recent events methinks this has made it to the top of my list. Cheers!
UPDATE, 8:30 p.m.: I appear to be lacking a suitable character for Ms. Nealis. One will have to be ordered, I am guessing. Nonetheless, I played around with my tentatively titled “Stray Cat Strut” snow globe’s contents and one dedicated to the absurdity that is 51 Ash Street/the North Brooklyn Boat Club. The latter I have entitled “Rockin’ the Pulaski!”
The Mister eventually wandered in and inquired as to what I was doing. Usually this disrupts my “creative process” Not this time. He first inquired:
Are those hobos?
Me: No, those are people learning valuable wilderness survival skills!
He looked closer and noted:
Oh, there’s the Commodore! Where’s Spaulding? SPAULDING GET YOUR FOOT OFF THE BOAT!
Here is Spaulding— and as you can see he has his foot on the boat!
Thanks Pookie Mister Heather!
UPDATE, 9:00 p.m.: Crappy notes:
More to the point of the shenanigans at the boat club, it’s a conflict of interest violation for a board member to be personally profiting from the tax exempt status of the organization. Therefore, if Jens is running his business on their property or using his connection with them to draw people to his classes, then that’s a big no no.
Quicklink: Good Times At 95 Clay Street
Filed under: 11222, Fuck This Shit, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Wow, WTF
When I saw this item on Gothamist my jaw hit my desk. I can assure you, gentle readers, this was not due to shock. Hardly. Rather your truly’s first apartment in Greenpoint was at 95 Clay Street. That was over a decade ago— and I can assure you it was a total and utter nightmare.* If this latest episode is to believed, things have not changed much. Those of you who are so inclined can read a little more about 95 Clay “back in the day” by clicking here, here and here. As for 156 India, I offer this and this for your perusal. In closing I would like to remind everyone that while Ms. Nealis’s alleged conduct is thoroughly reprehensible, she would not have felt free to behave in such a manner if our enforcement agencies (and elected officials) had nipped this in the proverbial bud. Years ago.
*Including, but not limited to:
- Frequent hot water outages. Apparently there was not only a residential (think: for a house) hot water heater pressed into service to service an eight unit building. The thermostat was broken so when it would get “hot” the “Super” would simply turn it off.
- An electrical outage on the apartments on the top floor lasting days. This was probably caused by…
- Rainwater leaking through the roof.
- Broken mailboxes. Mail theft was pervasive.
- An illegal apartment in the basement.
- Trips to housing court.
- Harassment— including having my locks filled with glue, verbal harassment and having my mailbox ripped open.
This is the short list. Any and all who have the misfortune of living in this building may want to check and see if a rent-freeze/rent reduction is still in place regarding the mailboxes.
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