http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/brooklyn-building-workers-at-flatbush-gardens-housing-complex-managed-by-renaissance-equity-holdings-protest-pay-cuts
This doesn't add any more information than was already posted on each building's front door, which was previously mentioned here by MM. However, taking the fight to the media is usually an escalation right before actual striking.
Personally, I've had an 8.8% reduction in pay over the last year, and it will be 13.5% on Oct. 1st. Far more acceptable than a 30% benefit cut (maybe, depends on what "benefits" were cut, and how much the salary was cut). I don't know, I'm sure a lot of people, especially time/salary reduced people and unemployed people have mixed sympathies.
What about you? Support the strike? Or support 100% benefit cuts and scabs pulled from the ample ranks of the unemployed?
Showing posts with label other posters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label other posters. Show all posts
Friday, September 3, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Anyone have a story idea for Mr. N?
Hello,
My name is Richard N----. I am a reporter for TheBrooklynInk.com and journalism grad student at Columbia University. I will be covering the neighborhood of Flatbush for the next few months--writing stories about the news, people, events, and goings-on in the area.
I found your blog as I was doing some research on the neighborhood. As a blogger in the area, I was wondering if you had any general viewpoints or concerns that might lead me to any good story ideas. Is there anyone you'd recommend I talk to?
I'd love to meet you in person if you have any free time coming up. We could grab a quick cup of coffee or something. Perhaps you could tell my what I need to know about the neighborhood, from a resident's perspective. I promise I'm not a creep or anything, just a journalist from California who is a long way from home. I really want to do my job right.
Thanks for reading. I hope to meet you soon.
Best,Rich
My name is Richard N----. I am a reporter for TheBrooklynInk.com and journalism grad student at Columbia University. I will be covering the neighborhood of Flatbush for the next few months--writing stories about the news, people, events, and goings-on in the area.
I found your blog as I was doing some research on the neighborhood. As a blogger in the area, I was wondering if you had any general viewpoints or concerns that might lead me to any good story ideas. Is there anyone you'd recommend I talk to?
I'd love to meet you in person if you have any free time coming up. We could grab a quick cup of coffee or something. Perhaps you could tell my what I need to know about the neighborhood, from a resident's perspective. I promise I'm not a creep or anything, just a journalist from California who is a long way from home. I really want to do my job right.
Thanks for reading. I hope to meet you soon.
Best,Rich
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Someone asks for an updated opinion.
"I am originally from Marine Park which isn't that far fromFlatbush Gardens and to go to high school, I'd have to take the 41 tothe Junction to catch the 5 train as well as Holy Cross being thecemetery that family members are buried at. Growing up, that area wasless than desirable to say the least. I haven't read the full blog soI don't know if you're originally from Brooklyn/NYC or from outside ofthe area. If you've been a long time resident, have you seen anoticeable improvement to the area?"
>> I'm originally from Florida, and have been in NYC for 2 years now, after 3 years in DC. So, pretty new. I've lived 10 months in Brooklyn Heights, and 14 months in FBG.
"If you're new to the area, in thetime that you've lived at Flatbush Gardens, do you feel that thingshave improved even with the economy suffering?"
>> Things must have improved, because I think the neighborhood is pretty great. Safe and friendly. To hear the "old-timers" tell it, it was nothing but a giant crack den and gang hang out. Ok, at least once a week there is a pot odor coming from at least one apartment. I've never done pot, but I think it should be legal and have no problem with that. I've never seen any other drug use or symptoms of a drug using community. I'm sure there is plenty, but if I can't see it, then I really don't care about it. Is it Brooklyn heights, park slope, or even south-east williamsburg? no, but I think it's just fine. As for the economy, I suspect the concern there is (1) fewer cops, and (2) more people sitting around with nothing to do and needing money. Idk, hasn't seemed a problem. If anything, the economy is making FBG a more "reasonable" option for all those yuppies in Manhattan who have gotten pay cuts and the like.
"Do you own a car and if so, is it easy to park and do you feel comfortable having a car in theneighborhood?"
>> I do not, but I've rented a few and parked them on the street without incident. The complex has a couple paid garages. Before the second one opened up, there was an issue with no parking spaces available. However, I think that's been resolved, and a few months back they were actually offering incentives to get new parkers in there. They may be full now, but I can't imagine the wait list is that long. Remember, everyone out here is trying to save a buck. That's why so few people install AC units even though it's hot in the summer. With free street parking, a lot of folks are just going to take the extra time and extra risk to street park for free. I think the garage is $90 a month. I'd pay it for just convenience, let alone safety.
"If you had to do it all over again, would you chooseFlatbush Gardens or would to look to move to an area that may not beas convenient train-wise as where you are but for the same price you'dget a nicer apartment/living situation?"
>> Based on the way you ask the question, I'd certainly say yes. If I've disliked anything it's the commute. People who grow up in these super-urban areas seem to be ok with long commutes, like it's part of life. I hate them. So yes, my commute is only 35 minutes during rush hour, I live a half block from a 2/5 stop, and my destination is 100 feet from a 5 stop. By NYC standards my commute is a breeze, but I still hate it. In the BK Heights I was door to desk in under 14 minutes. So, I'm not a good person to ask about a quality to commute convenience trade off. I like it here. If you could get me to work in under 15 minutes, I'd probably never leave. Annoying at times, but still a great deal. Not everyone agrees here, but I still recommend it. I have friends who would rather die than live out here. For no other reason than they need to be within 5 minutes of a bar at all times. As long as you can handle a "family area" with no "hip young trendy" places, then I recommend this place.
Other's can weigh in with their own assessments.
>> I'm originally from Florida, and have been in NYC for 2 years now, after 3 years in DC. So, pretty new. I've lived 10 months in Brooklyn Heights, and 14 months in FBG.
"If you're new to the area, in thetime that you've lived at Flatbush Gardens, do you feel that thingshave improved even with the economy suffering?"
>> Things must have improved, because I think the neighborhood is pretty great. Safe and friendly. To hear the "old-timers" tell it, it was nothing but a giant crack den and gang hang out. Ok, at least once a week there is a pot odor coming from at least one apartment. I've never done pot, but I think it should be legal and have no problem with that. I've never seen any other drug use or symptoms of a drug using community. I'm sure there is plenty, but if I can't see it, then I really don't care about it. Is it Brooklyn heights, park slope, or even south-east williamsburg? no, but I think it's just fine. As for the economy, I suspect the concern there is (1) fewer cops, and (2) more people sitting around with nothing to do and needing money. Idk, hasn't seemed a problem. If anything, the economy is making FBG a more "reasonable" option for all those yuppies in Manhattan who have gotten pay cuts and the like.
"Do you own a car and if so, is it easy to park and do you feel comfortable having a car in theneighborhood?"
>> I do not, but I've rented a few and parked them on the street without incident. The complex has a couple paid garages. Before the second one opened up, there was an issue with no parking spaces available. However, I think that's been resolved, and a few months back they were actually offering incentives to get new parkers in there. They may be full now, but I can't imagine the wait list is that long. Remember, everyone out here is trying to save a buck. That's why so few people install AC units even though it's hot in the summer. With free street parking, a lot of folks are just going to take the extra time and extra risk to street park for free. I think the garage is $90 a month. I'd pay it for just convenience, let alone safety.
"If you had to do it all over again, would you chooseFlatbush Gardens or would to look to move to an area that may not beas convenient train-wise as where you are but for the same price you'dget a nicer apartment/living situation?"
>> Based on the way you ask the question, I'd certainly say yes. If I've disliked anything it's the commute. People who grow up in these super-urban areas seem to be ok with long commutes, like it's part of life. I hate them. So yes, my commute is only 35 minutes during rush hour, I live a half block from a 2/5 stop, and my destination is 100 feet from a 5 stop. By NYC standards my commute is a breeze, but I still hate it. In the BK Heights I was door to desk in under 14 minutes. So, I'm not a good person to ask about a quality to commute convenience trade off. I like it here. If you could get me to work in under 15 minutes, I'd probably never leave. Annoying at times, but still a great deal. Not everyone agrees here, but I still recommend it. I have friends who would rather die than live out here. For no other reason than they need to be within 5 minutes of a bar at all times. As long as you can handle a "family area" with no "hip young trendy" places, then I recommend this place.
Other's can weigh in with their own assessments.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Meet the Press.
So apparently this blog has been cited by no less than curbed.com and nypost.com. This leads me to believe I'm still the only one who cares to jot down oberservations of FBG living.... I mean, if you have to cite this blog as evidence of something, well, you're reaching.
I also think 99% of the NYPost article is probably bullcrap. Oh, the tanant advocacy lawyer thinks harrassment might be going on in favor of gentrification? The rent-stabalized tenants fear harrassment? I want to see one confirmed housing court docket number where FBG attempted to evict a tenant who paid their rent but refused to pay the A/C fee. (BTW, if that docket number happens to have my name on it, since I pay my rent and refuse to pay the A/C fee, then consider me served). Don't tell me they're just taking their time to file the paper-work... my roommate (former ex-roommate and co-signee) forgot to mail in rent once, and had eviction papers delivered before the next month's invoice. I hate to be cynical, or misaccuse actual victims, but I think the majority of people in a tenant legal clinic didn't pay their rent and now have 100 newly invented reasons for why they did nothing wrong and the landlord is evil. (When in fact they did a lot wrong and the landlord has just the usual 5 or 6 reasons for being considered evil). FIX MY SINK JERKS!
I also think 99% of the NYPost article is probably bullcrap. Oh, the tanant advocacy lawyer thinks harrassment might be going on in favor of gentrification? The rent-stabalized tenants fear harrassment? I want to see one confirmed housing court docket number where FBG attempted to evict a tenant who paid their rent but refused to pay the A/C fee. (BTW, if that docket number happens to have my name on it, since I pay my rent and refuse to pay the A/C fee, then consider me served). Don't tell me they're just taking their time to file the paper-work... my roommate (former ex-roommate and co-signee) forgot to mail in rent once, and had eviction papers delivered before the next month's invoice. I hate to be cynical, or misaccuse actual victims, but I think the majority of people in a tenant legal clinic didn't pay their rent and now have 100 newly invented reasons for why they did nothing wrong and the landlord is evil. (When in fact they did a lot wrong and the landlord has just the usual 5 or 6 reasons for being considered evil). FIX MY SINK JERKS!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A request from MM
FlatbushNYC reader MM writes:
I am starting a personal photography project of environmental portraits entitled "The Flatbush Project". At this time, I'm only in need of people that live in the Flatbush Gardens housing development. When the project is complete, I am hoping to get it in a gallery show as well as published. You do not need to be a professional model or look like one. People of all ages, shapes, sizes welcome. Here's the definition of environmental portrait:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_portrait The concept is that this complex is formerly bad public housing and since it has been recently bought by private developers, I want to document the people that have been here since it was public housing as well as the new people that have arrived. I currently live here. You will not be paid for participating but you will receive either a cd of your images or a print of your choice. You will have to sign a model release. If you want to participate, I would like to visit you in your home and have a brief interview first before I come back later to photograph you. If you are interested in participating, I will send you a link to my website along with links to samples of the style of photography I'm planning on doing. Please include some info about yourself. If you don't live in the complex, but know someone who does, please pass this along.
Thanks for looking!
-Megan
I am starting a personal photography project of environmental portraits entitled "The Flatbush Project". At this time, I'm only in need of people that live in the Flatbush Gardens housing development. When the project is complete, I am hoping to get it in a gallery show as well as published. You do not need to be a professional model or look like one. People of all ages, shapes, sizes welcome. Here's the definition of environmental portrait:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_portrait The concept is that this complex is formerly bad public housing and since it has been recently bought by private developers, I want to document the people that have been here since it was public housing as well as the new people that have arrived. I currently live here. You will not be paid for participating but you will receive either a cd of your images or a print of your choice. You will have to sign a model release. If you want to participate, I would like to visit you in your home and have a brief interview first before I come back later to photograph you. If you are interested in participating, I will send you a link to my website along with links to samples of the style of photography I'm planning on doing. Please include some info about yourself. If you don't live in the complex, but know someone who does, please pass this along.
Thanks for looking!
-Megan
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A single female's persective.
[The below "comment" is being upgraded to its own "post" without the permission of the author.]
As a single white female living here I thought my opinion might be of value. I come home after dark every night, sometimes as late as 3-4 am. I don't really feel afraid walking home seeing as it is well lit and I'm really close to the train. I go the first entrance to the complex b/c I figure if someone wanted to mug me, it would be less likely if I were on fbg property with the cameras and all.. I do get the occasional sexual comments but that happens everywhere. Like it has been mentioned before, the violence you hear about does not seem random. I've only heard a couple fighting in their apt one time, never anyone fighting outside, or anything worse.
The only complaint I have is that there's nothing to do around here and the grocery store kinda sucks. So I don't really hang out in the neighborhood. Also, I feel like I don't have much in common with the other tenants. I'm single, childless, educated, have a white collar job... So I feel like I don't fit the profile described in the news story, and don't really relate to a majority of the tenants, at least the ones I've encountered. All the tenants in my building have been here for years and years, so there's a nice sense of community, and they've all been very nice to me.
But I witnessed some dirty tricks by fgb on Sunday. Since the water problem over the weekend, apparently all the apartments on one side of my building had water running down the walls all day sunday (not my apt) and no one from maintenance bothered to come over. I know that they keep only one maintenance person working on the weekends so there is no way he can get to everything in a reasonable amount of time. But an emergency like that is serious and the excuse that there is only one person working is ridiculous and more people must at least be on call. One tenant accidentally turned on the bathroom light and things started sparking so the fire dept came. At this point water was leaking for 15 hours.
There was an informal tenant meeting going on in the hallway after this and I overheard a woman talking about how she has had her belongings in trash bags for the past 2 years b/c leaking water is an ongoing problem that has been ignored. She was very angry and said they are ignoring her b/c they want her out so they can rent her unit for $1500. Unfortunately she's exactly right and tenant abuse is a problem all over the city, not just here. But so far, my needs have not been ignored. I've had to call maintenance a few time for urgent things and they came over w/in 2-3 hours, and sometimes within minutes. As a whole, I like it here.
My apt is huge, no roaches (!), and it's quiet which is important to me. But if you can afford a similar sized apt in a nice neighborhood, I would go for that. I wish I could have something in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights but it's just not possible. $1000 rent is unheard of in places like that.
As a single white female living here I thought my opinion might be of value. I come home after dark every night, sometimes as late as 3-4 am. I don't really feel afraid walking home seeing as it is well lit and I'm really close to the train. I go the first entrance to the complex b/c I figure if someone wanted to mug me, it would be less likely if I were on fbg property with the cameras and all.. I do get the occasional sexual comments but that happens everywhere. Like it has been mentioned before, the violence you hear about does not seem random. I've only heard a couple fighting in their apt one time, never anyone fighting outside, or anything worse.
The only complaint I have is that there's nothing to do around here and the grocery store kinda sucks. So I don't really hang out in the neighborhood. Also, I feel like I don't have much in common with the other tenants. I'm single, childless, educated, have a white collar job... So I feel like I don't fit the profile described in the news story, and don't really relate to a majority of the tenants, at least the ones I've encountered. All the tenants in my building have been here for years and years, so there's a nice sense of community, and they've all been very nice to me.
But I witnessed some dirty tricks by fgb on Sunday. Since the water problem over the weekend, apparently all the apartments on one side of my building had water running down the walls all day sunday (not my apt) and no one from maintenance bothered to come over. I know that they keep only one maintenance person working on the weekends so there is no way he can get to everything in a reasonable amount of time. But an emergency like that is serious and the excuse that there is only one person working is ridiculous and more people must at least be on call. One tenant accidentally turned on the bathroom light and things started sparking so the fire dept came. At this point water was leaking for 15 hours.
There was an informal tenant meeting going on in the hallway after this and I overheard a woman talking about how she has had her belongings in trash bags for the past 2 years b/c leaking water is an ongoing problem that has been ignored. She was very angry and said they are ignoring her b/c they want her out so they can rent her unit for $1500. Unfortunately she's exactly right and tenant abuse is a problem all over the city, not just here. But so far, my needs have not been ignored. I've had to call maintenance a few time for urgent things and they came over w/in 2-3 hours, and sometimes within minutes. As a whole, I like it here.
My apt is huge, no roaches (!), and it's quiet which is important to me. But if you can afford a similar sized apt in a nice neighborhood, I would go for that. I wish I could have something in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights but it's just not possible. $1000 rent is unheard of in places like that.
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