Rendering of Oliver House

June 3, 2008

May 5th 2008

April 18, 2008

Here is another photo in a series of aerial views of Bill Stein's "Oliver House" at 131 Second Place a.k.a. 360 Smith Street.

One has to wonder what is going through the developer's mind as the Carroll Gardens' community came out in significant numbers to testify in favor of the Wide Street Text Amendment before the City Planning Commission on Wednesday. This amendment is intended to correct a mistake in the definition of Carroll Gardens' signature garden blocks as wide streets. Wide streets are allowed larger buildings and developers have taken advantage of this loophole. If the Wide Street Text Amendment passes before the foundation of "Oliver House" is completed, the developer may have to rethink the project.
A lawyer representing Bill Stein in front of the City Planning Commission argued that Stein has gone out of his way to address the concerns of the neighborhood by parting ways with his original (and highly controversial) architect, Robert Scarano, and by changing some of the building's design elements. All this apparently cost him construction time. His lawyer suggested that because of his" good faith effort," Stein should get an exemption from the amendment if it passes before he is far enough along. How that is possible without giving all other projects currently under construction on the Place blocks the same consideration is unclear.
Not everyone is impressed with Mr. Stein's efforts to make his 7 story, 70 foot development more contextual to this brownstone neighborhood. However, he seems to have one resident firmly behind him. Buddy Scotto, longtime Carroll Gardens resident and member of both the Carroll Gardens Association and the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation argued in favor of the developer in front of the commission by saying that Stein had been "extraordinarily respectful and responsive"
and that he was "particularly concerned for Stein."
Pardon me for asking, but why did this one particular construction project come up at the City Planning Commission? I thought that it was a hearing about closing a loophole instead of a discussion about Stein's project? But of course, that is just my humble opinion.

Related Reading

Bird's Eye View Of Bill Stein's Oliver House Construction Site

***Photos Courtesy of Barbara at Carroll Garden History

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A 'Perfect Corner' At Smith And Carroll Streets

Perfect Corner: Carroll Garden's wonderful picture framing store.

Marion and Joe Alameda

Some of the wonderful frame choices in the store

More to choose from

The little oil painting I brought in to have framed

The frame and linen matting I chose with Marion's help

One of my favorite business owners here in Carroll Gardens are Joe and Marion Alameda, the husband and wife team behind Perfect Corner, the custom picture framing store at 345 Smith Street. In their capable hands, a rather ordinary print or painting turns into something rather special and worth displaying. Take the painting above that I just took to Perfect Corner to have framed.
It is not a particularly remarkable oil painting, but it is rather sweet and should be displayed.
I have come to rely on Marion's perfect taste and professional eye when it comes to choosing the right frame and mat. I am always amazed by her certainty, as she walks over to one of the racks holding the frame samples. She knows almost instinctively which one will enhance the artwork best. It was no different this time.
Do you like the chosen linen mat and gold accent wood frame we chose together?
I can't wait to see the finished product. So far, I have never been disappointed by anything Marion and Joe have done for me. So, if you have a keepsake or artwork that needs to be framed, give them a try. And if you are lucky, Joe might tell you one of his wonderful stories about growing up in Carroll Gardens.

Perfect Corner
435 Smith Street
Brooklyn, New York 11231
718 237 2760
www.perfectcorner.com
perfectcorner@verizon.net

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Summertime And Those Air Conditioners Hovering Precariously Overhead!

I don't know about you, dear reader, but I have a summer phobia.
I am afraid of walking under window air conditioners,
Especially when they are installed on upper floors.
Irrational, you say?
Probably.
But look at this one!
Shouldn't I be concerned just a wee bit?
What if it comes tumbling down?

For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking

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Carroll Gardens Testifies In Front Of City Planning: "A Neighborhood Worth Fighting For"

"The Soul Of The Neighborhood Is Speaking Before You"

Oscar Jonas of State Senator Marty Connor's Office
Testifying in front of the City Planning Commission

Wearing matching yellow "Preserve Carroll Gardens. Downzone Now!" buttons to show unity, residents of Carroll Gardens gave passionate testimony in front of the City Planning Commission in regard to the Wide Street Text Amendment. The hearing room was filled to capacity. For two and a half hours, Commissioner Amanda Burden and the other members of the commission listened attentively as one speaker after the next spoke about how important it is to preserve Carroll Gardens. In advance of a full rezoning, the neighborhood is asking the Department of Planning to correct an error in classifying the unique Place Blocks as “wide streets” which provides a loophole for developers. Under the present zoning definition, the front gardens are counted as part of the street, though the actual street is narrow. This distinction provides a development bonus in the form of a higher F.A.R.. The proposed Zoning Resolution Amendment addresses this error.
Residents argued that the Place Blocks, first planned in 1846 by surveyor Richard Butts, are the "jewel of the neighborhood" and are still basically intact. However, developers have increasingly used the loophole to build out-of-context buildings which destroy the historical context of these garden blocks.
Insisting that they chose to make their houses their homes and that they feel under siege by developers, residents made the point that the wide street loophole is exploited by a few at the expense of many.

Of course there were those who argued against the Zoning Text Amendment. Citing that the Amendment will do more harm than good and will fail to protect the neighborhood, opponents urged the Commission not to rush into a decision. They also asked that City Planning settle once and for all the question of who owns the front yards of the place blocks in question: the city or the home owner.
The complaint that the neighborhood had not been sufficiently notified of the Wide Street Text Amendment was merely a distraction. Both Councilman Bill De Blasio's office as well as local organizations such as the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association and C.O.R.D. had extensively distributed literature. Besides, the community board and the Borough President's office have held lengthy hearings before approving it. Overwhelmingly, the community urged City Planning to pass the amendment as soon as possible. Lets hope their voices will be heard.

Speaking For The Zoning Text Amendment

*Kevin Parris for Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz

*Maryann Young, resident

*Lucy DeCarlo, resident

*Liam Veuve for Triada Samaras, resident

*Vincent Joseph, Resident,
Union-Sackett Block Association Member

*June Negrycz
Cobble Hill Association Member

*Jim Devor, resident

*Vince Favorito, resident
Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association Member


*Glenn Kelly, resident,
Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association Member

*Mike Salvatore, resident

*Linda Eskenas
Four Boroughs Neighborhood Preservation Memberg

*Daniel Squadron,resident
Union-Sackett Block Association Member
New York State Senate Candidate

*Ken Baer
City Council Candidate
Candidate

*Eunice Auer, resident

*Gary Reilly, resident,
Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association Member
City Council Candidate

*Rita Miller, resident
C.O.R.D. Member

*Mary Mattner, resident
Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association

*Linda Blyer, Cobble Hill resident
For Diane Buxbaum, resident

*Colleen Giunta, resident

*Oscar Jonas for State Senator Marty Connor

*Tom Gray for Councilman Bill DeBlasio

*Barbara Brookhart, resident
Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association Member

*Anthony Marchese, resident
American Institute Of Architects Member

*Craig Hammerman
District Manager, Community Board Six
City Council Candidate

*John Hatheway, resident, architect
Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association Member

*Maria Pagano, resident
Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association President


For, With A Plea For Developer Bill Stein

*Buddy Scotto,resident
Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association Member
Carroll Gardens Association Member
Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation Member

Speaking Against The Zoning Text Amendment

* Lawyer For Bill Stein
Developer of Oliver House, 360 Smith Street/ 131 2nd Place

*Deborah Scotto, resident
Developer
Community Board 6 Member

*Judith Thompson, resident
Community Board 6 Member (as of June 2008)

* Peter Pober, resident

Undecided
*Michael DeMeglio

For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking

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Carroll Gardens' Weird Crime Wave: The Theft Of Fuel Oil Filler Caps

Brand new fuel oil filler caps to replace stolen ones

This is very strange, dear reader, I admit, but someone in Carroll Gardens has been going around stealing fuel oil filler caps in front of brownstones.
Local resident Tony told me that he noticed his cap missing just as his neighbor realized that his was gone as well. When Tony went to a fuel supply store on Fourth Avenue to replace his, the vendor asked him if he lived on Fourth Street. Surprised, Tony said no, but asked why the man wanted to know. It turns out that one entire block on Fourth Street was robbed of its caps and all those residents had been in to buy new ones. ( The price of a new one is $9.95, in case you were wondering)

Presumably, whoever is lifting these caps is bringing them to the scrap metal places to sell for cash. Since the price of metal has skyrocketed, this may bring in a tidy little sum. I suppose it is too much to ask of scrap metal yards to be a bit more discriminating when someone sells their "wares?" Certainly, a whole bunch of these fuel caps should trigger some kind of action from the scrap yards, like maybe calling the cops?
Unless of course, whoever is responsible for the theft is just a wacky collector of fuel oil filler caps....

Related Reading:

The Gate Thief Of Carroll Gardens And How He Was Confronted By Vigilant Neighbors!
Another Missing Gate In Carroll Gardens


For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking

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Marty Markowitz Says Yes To Carroll Gardens' Wide Street Text Amendment

Reminder!

I sincerely hope that many Carroll Gardeners will take the time to attend today's Public Hearing at the City Plannings Commission regarding the Zoning Text Amendment.
This is a very important next step in the community's effort to keep out-of-scale
development at bay in our brownstone neighborhood.

City Planning Commission
Wednesday, June 4th at 10 AM
Spector Hall
22 Reade Street
New Yor, New York 10007
Re : Carroll Gardens Zoning Text Amendment N 080345 ZRK

The public is encouraged to sign up to speak in front of the commission, but written testimonies will also be accepted. Please send your written comments to:

City Planning Commission
Calendar Information Office Room 2E
22 Reade Street
New York, NY 10007

Related Posts:

Marty Markowitz Says Yes To Carroll Gardens' Wide Street Text Amendment

C.B.6 Approves Carroll Gardens Zoning Text Amendment

Carroll Gardens Urges Marty Markowitz To Be "Narrow Minded"!

All You Ever Wanted To Know About The Carroll Gardens Zoning Text Amendment

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Come Join The Committee To Improve Carroll Park

Come join the Committee To Improve Carroll Park
(the group that just organized the great Flea Market in the park)
at their
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, June 5th
7:30 PM
In the park house (near Smith Street)
Please consider volunteering in the park.


We need help with weeding and with watering throughout the summer.
Do you have a great idea for a special event? Come and let us know.


contact info: friendsofcarrollpark at yahoo dot com

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