Thank goodness the holidays are over and we can get back to the real world!
Here’s to a great 2008. We’re that much closer to 1/20/09.
Please let us know via comments below if you have any suggestions, predictions or events coming up. Anything fun you might want to add.
Also…please feel free to keep us posted on your real estate or renovation related projects and news. Tips are always welcome! The contact button is at the top of the middle sidebar.
Cheers!
The Times had two articles in the real estate section this Sunday which I’m rolling into one post.
“Cashing out of NYC” informs us of the widening gap between prices in Manhattan and the suburbs. One couple mentioned in the article bought a $690k ranch in Norwalk, CT with the proceeds from the sale of their $899 Manhattan coop. Another couple couldn’t find a loft space in Dumbo for under $600k so they bought a 1350 square foot loft in New Rochelle for that amount. (more…)
I Hate Everything Green: Alternative Consumer
Lost Neighborhood Landmarks: Curbed
Sales Hummin’ at East NY Conversion: Brownstoner
Holiday Tree Recycling: Flatbush Gardener
2008 Workshops at Howard Hall
Identity Theft in Clinton/Stuy: Bed Stuy Blog
Author: Brett
There it was, painted a creamy yellow color, which supposedly has the best “curb appeal”, but it did not need selling. A 1920s Colonial. From the enclosed porch to the backyard, this house was by far the nicest we had seen in the over 2 years that we have been looking. The house was draped in chestnut wood, from the ceiling beams and matching radiator covers to the banisters and railings and the second floor window seat. There were three ample bedrooms on the second floor and two additional rooms on the third, yes, the attic was finished. The kitchen was not enormous, but there was room for a small table and besides, there was the dining room, which overlooked the front porch. The cozy family room faced the back. The basement was finished. It was exquisite. We were in love. (more…)
Hey, this guy has some cool stuff on Etsy. “Creative Pal” is a writer and inventor out of Bloomington. He creates lamps, murals and other fun stuff that any adult child (oh, that’s me) would love. I’ll let you read about his creative process in his own words. Just click on photo links for more info.
Since I’m in holiday mode and you probably are too, I figured I’d give you some ideas on where to send your out of town guests this year. Or just go yourself. It’s not mandatory to take a tourist.
* Not necessarily in order of preference.
1. The Met: My favorite museum in the world. Probably because I worked there for 3 years. They’re open on Mondays for holidays including New Year’s Eve. On Friday and Saturday evenings they are open until 9pm and have cocktails and music in the Great Hall. The Met has “suggested” admission. Not that you shouldn’t support the arts, but if you’re broke, you can pay a penny and get in. Cost covers same day admission to The Cloisters, which I highly recommend seeing also. (more…)
Green Brooklyn’s Donation List
Inhabitat: Google Earth Shows Air Polution
Materialicious on Enviroboard
I Love Upstate is Looking for Fabric
Jimmy Legs Upgrades His Cat Shelter
City Tech’s Continuing Ed program is offering more brownstone series courses starting in January.
For more information: dsalomon@citytech.cuny.edu
To register: 718 552 1170
January 15
Green Home Furnishings and Healthy Home Decor: HHT 075 $40
February 20
Interior Design Basics HHT 072 $40
March 6 – 27
The Art of Home Decor HHT 070 $125
March 11
Basic Home Repairs HHT 077 $40
April 12
Spring Sruce Up (No course number) $20
April 17
Low Impact Living: HHT 076 $40
Green Home Improvement How To Guides: Low Impact Living
DIY Backyard Firepit: Charles and Hudson
Post Holiday Recycling Event: Sustainable Flatbush
How Does LEED’s ranking system work? My Green Home Blog
Streit’s Leaving LES: Curbed
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The price gap may be widening but the cultural gap is closing up. NYC is losing it’s flavor as more and more artists are moving out to the suburbs.
Comment by Anonymous — December 31, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
Sorry, I shouldn’t have said only “artists”. NYC is losing many wonderful people. Writers,teachers,city workers, musicians…you get the point.
Comment by 1:16pm — December 31, 2007 @ 1:19 pm
Amen to that 1:16!
Comment by Murray — December 31, 2007 @ 5:12 pm
Affordability of the suburbs is somewhat overrated, unless there is no commute involved and/or the public vs. private schools equation covers the difference in property taxes (esp. in NJ). Those bus and train tickets add up quick, along with the inevitable car expenses.
NYC is still one of the only places in this country where life without a car (or two) is a viable option, and can have a big impact on the budget. After living in a big lovely apartment in Montclair NJ with relatively affordable rent, then doing the math with the car and the pricey commute, coming back to Brooklyn was a budgetary no-brainer. Not to mention the happiness factor — like your free street tree, priceless!
Comment by anne — January 2, 2008 @ 10:41 am
I think there are less expensive areas outside of NYC that aren’t your usual suburbs. Like Jersey City (getting pricey), Peekskill or Yonkers. You don’t need a car and it’s not as much of a culture shock coming from the city.
We don’t have human kids, but we wanted more space for our pets (too many rescues). That’s how we justify the big house with big backyard in Beacon…it’s an animal sanctuary!
Comment by RH — January 2, 2008 @ 12:08 pm