We're back after an unannounced holiday break. Even Brownstoner missed us.
This is the last photo we took of 185 Ocean Ave. At this time the entire house is no more. For now, all we can do is wait and see what the developer plops in its place.
New Development Rises on Crooke Ave
Speaking of new developments, this building is getting filled out on Crooke Ave near the Parade Grounds. Compared to the other new construction in the neighborhood, this one is a sculpture.
In our humble opinion, a building like this wouldn't be so bad as the new 185 Ocean Ave. It could be much, much, much worse.
185 Ocean Ave. One Step Closer to Biting the Dust
A construction fence went up around 185 Ocean Ave. last week, indicating that the house is slowly moving towards its demise. Still, we have received very few details about what will be built in its place - as we've said before, it had better not be some ugly piece of shit.
In case the new owner of 185 Ocean is reading, it would be wonderful if you could share what you have in mind to build on this lot. Yes, we'll scrutinize, but if you can lend any assurance that your building will not look like this - but more like this - we would greatly appreciate it.
For Rent Sign Disappears From Flatbush Storefront
This storefront on the corner of Flatbush Ave. and Chester Ct. once had a large for rent sign tied to the frame of its former awning. The sign is now gone.
Has the store been rented? Did someone arbitrarily pull the sign down? Anyone have any information?
As per our usual sentiment... Thai would be nice.
Cheap Developers: Hands off Ocean Ave.
We learned last week that time is running out for 185 Ocean Ave, the former home of Planet PLG creator Dan Canale and his family. For those who are not clued in to the unfolding drama, a developer purchased the property and intends to demolish the house. We're not against new development, but as a community we've got to make sure that this developer doesn't build some ugly piece of crap on the lot. The other photo above, taken at the corner of Bedford and Parkside Aves, represents the antithesis of what would be a welcome addition to PLG's architectural variety because it has no style and is ugly.
It would be horrible to flank Prospect Park with a hideous structure. How does one unearth building plans to find out what this developer plans to do? If the plan includes something hideous, what can be done about it?
Condo on Caton
We're a little embarrassed to admit that Brownstoner completely scooped us on this one. We noticed several months ago that a new building was going up on Caton, but we failed to note progress and keep our loyal readers informed.
Now for our commentary.
This building ain't pretty, which is unfortunate and somewhat mind boggling. Why? Because developers manage to build and sell reasonably attractive condos in the rougher parts of Williamsburg and altogether rough Bushwick, yet the folks developng our hood can't get their aesthetics together. Other than 384 Maple, all new buildings in the area are downright ugly. We fear for what will be built on the site of the former Planet PLG House (see below). It would really suck if the one and only new development on Ocean Ave turned out ot be a Fedders House.
As everything sells at the right price, the condos on Caton will sell... to people who don't mind living on a crappy block that also happens to be a truck route.
384 Maple St.
Though we missed the open house, we decided to swing by 384 Maple St., a new condo development on Maple between Nostrand and New York. From the outside, this appears to be a halfway decent new building.
Strange that "way out" between Nostrand and New York we find this relatively attractive building while all we see are horrifyingly ugly new buildings closer to Lefferts Manor, where real estate is more valuable.
That said, will buyers flock to get a three bedroom condo on the fringe of PLG for close to $450K? We'll see.
Could this be the tip of the iceberg?
The Price is Right on Lefferts Ave... ?
In our humble opinion, this is a super cute house. Lefferts Ave. is lined on one side with 1920s (or 30s?), two story bungalow-ish houses, similar to those found on Maple I. We appreciate the open feel of these houses as well, as they're more light-filled than most brownstones and many of them are equipped with built in dressers and stuff.
We do not know the condition of this house, but we do know one thing: there's some price confusion out there. One ad has the price as $595K. Another has the price at $770K.
That's a giant difference. We hate to beat the same drum again and again, but we believe that the big firms do a much better job marketing homes in PLG. That sort of price discrepancy is ridiculous, and, based on the ad, our guess is that the broker handling the property will not co-broke.
Poor organization and limits on publicity do not do right by the seller. We're all about the little guy getting his/her piece of the pie, but it shouldn't be to the seller's detriment.
Whoa. A Deal.
This house is possibly the best deal in Lefferts Manor presently. At $765K, it's either a great buy or comes with some major catches.
Is it haunted?
Anyone have the scoop?
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