Dumbo NYC

What happens when Dumbo and Vinegar Hill residents start talking about safety in the area? Based on comments in the active thread about the 99 Gold Street building, there are two separate topics that come up:

1. The issue of panhandlers come up, especially ones in front of Peas and Pickle grocery store on Front and Washington Streets.
2. Walking to Vinegar Hill on Front Street vs. York Street

In general walking around Dumbo and Vinegar Hill is pretty safe as long as you’re using common sense, as the case in any area in NYC. Vinegar Hill seems a little more deserted at night, but according to the 84th precinct data (which doesn’t have recent month’s data yet), Dumbo and Vinegar Hill crime is much lower than year’s past. [Update 7Sept07 2:00pm: Thanks to a commenter below for the link.]

If anyone feels threatened by panhandlers or others, call 911 or 311 so the NYPD can address the issues. There sounds like some serious harassing by panhandlers, which needs to be addressed by the city. Anything else we can do?

A Couple of previous threads that turned into discussions of crime/panhandlers:
{99 Gold Withdrawing Offering Plan, Turning to Rentals}
{Dumbo Links Week of 18Aug07}
{Pearl Street Triangle Plaza Begins Work}
{Dumbo Grocery Store Touches Off Gentrification War, Curbed}

DumboNYC has just passed its one year mark. Shortly after the Vanity Fair photo spread for Jun Watanabe’s fall menswear collection, I was cross posted on Curbed, Brownstoner, and Gawker. The spike in traffic crashed the server and I had to quickly move it to my current hosting service, asmallorange.

DumboNYC.com now receives 28,000 to 32,000 unique visitors per month and 55,000 to 65,000 page views per month. The site is regularly featured in NYMag, Curbed, Brownstoner, The NYTimes City Room Blog, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, The Brooklyn Paper, and Gowanus Lounge. Thank you to all who have made a connection.

In a little over one year, Dumbo has changed. From the start of this site, my goal has been to learn about the changes happening in this neighborhood and community. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey as much as I have.

Last but certainly not least, thank you readers for visiting and contributing to the site. This site would not be what it is today without your knowledge and insights. Here’s to continued learning and positive change in Dumbo.

Cheers!
-hideyoshi

It’s obvious that parking is a touchy issue in NYC, with deeded parking spots going for $225,000 in Manhattan. Dumbo’s spots aren’t quite that high, yet, but in this small neighborhood, a change in parking signs and regulations bring out angry reactions in some. The Dept of Transportation has updated signs overnight, and the repurposing of the Pearl Street Triangle from a parking triangle to a pedestrian park started heated discussions in earlier posts about Pearl St. Triangle beginning work and its progress.

The dozen or so spaces lost to the Pearl Street Triangle have been reclaimed with a few changes in parking regulations in three areas:

1. Pearl Street (Between Plymouth and Water Street) is now a “No Parking Fridays 8-9:30am” area.
2. Pearl Street (Between Front and York Street) is now a “No Parking Fridays 8-9:30am” area.
3. Anchorage Pl (against the Pearl Street Triangle) is now a “2 Hour Parking 9am-7pm except Sun” area.

Below is a rough Google Map that shows their approximate locations (in red). I’ll also try update the map with street regulations. Please check back on the Location page for parking updates with the below GMap.

Parking Restrictions in Dumbo
(Note: The street regulations are regularly updated by the Department of Transportation. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the below map is accurate. It is intended as a general guide. Please check street signs.)


{GMaps View Larger Map}

Lots of activity at Dumbo’s J Condo. Our friends there have passed on some updates from Hudson Company, the developer, to the owners:

• There have been 85 closings through the 14th floor and closing letters have been sent through the 19th floor.
• J Condo anticipates receiving a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the remainder of the building (24th floor and above) by the end of the month.
• They are averaging a floor per week in terms of scheduling punchlist walkthroughs and closings.
• The parking garage is now open and parking spaces are $300 per month and $350 for SUVs (inclusive of taxes).
• “The winning artists that residents voted for during the Project DUMBO event have installed their artwork in the building. “Horizontal Splash Pink” by Jenny Hankwitz is in the Lobby; “Honey, Leaves, Nectar” by Annette Rusin is the Media Room; and “Creatures in Rhumbaland” by Eleanora Kupencow is in the Children’s Play Room.”

Sounds like closings are moving quickly and new residents have moved in, as previously reported here. For the most part, the closings have gone smooth and new owners seem happy with the service.

A hot topic in the ‘J’ is that some units are being rented out to local businesses which isn’t sitting well with residents. Should they be allowed to use the common facilities, gym, etc? After all, they’re not paying for it. How have other buildings handled this?

Finally, the Chase Bank branch on Front Street is close to opening, as reported by brownstoner. However, Bridge Apothecary, the pharmacy on Jay Street doesn’t look close to being done. (Anyone know when that’s going to open?)

The joys of a new condo in NYC! J Condo’ers, welcome to Dumbo!

Previously:
{J Condo Progress (8/22/06)}
{J Condo Ready For Move-Ins and Resales}
{JCondo Views From the 32nd Floor and ProJect Dumbo Winners}

 All renderings of Dock St. Dumbo from Two Trees

Since Two Trees Management released their plans for the 18 story building in June, city politicians were quiet about their stance until they saw the plans. On Sunday, the NY Times published a letter from Council member David Yassky, who does not think the building is appropriate on a historic block so close to the Brooklyn Bridge.

“Families should not need to accept an inappropriate building for the soon-to-be-landmarked Dumbo neighborhood in order to get a much-needed middle school. I have spoken with the Department of Education, and am forming a task force comprising neighborhood residents and P.S. 8 parents to evaluate the qualities the middle school should have. Based on that evaluation, we will consider available locations and create an appropriate middle school for the area.”

I’ve also received an email from a Dumbo resident who received this reply from Mr. Yassky:

—–Original Message—–
From: dock07@gmail.com
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007
Subject: Re: Fw: The proposed Dock Street Monstrosity

Dear Mr. [anonymous],

Thank you for writing me about your opinion of the proposed building, now known as Dock Street DUMBO. As you may know, this is not the first proposal for this location. In 2004, Two Trees proposed a 17 story building at 38 Water St. which I opposed. My position was and remains that a building at a location this close to the Brooklyn Bridge should be no taller than 8 stories or 80 feet.

The block where Two Trees is proposing to build Dock Street DUMBO, - which now includes the site of the former Nova Clutch Building on Front Street, as well as the 38 Water Street location - is of particular historical significance. The Tobacco Warehouse and Civil War Warehouses are both located on the block along with other historic buildings that are part of the calendared DUMBO landmark area. It is my opinion, that the proposed building would be totally out of character with these historical resources, many of them excellently restored by Two Trees. In addition, I find a development this tall to be unacceptable at this location, as it would block views of and from the historic Brooklyn Bridge.

The developers have included space that they would lease to the Board of Education for a middle school. There is a dire need for a middle school in the DUMBO/ Brooklyn Heights area to serve the graduates of PS 8. Children from these neighborhoods now go to variety of public and private schools throughout the borough and even in Manhattan. I have been in discussions about this issue with the Department of Education for some time. In the early fall I will be sending information about a joint task force composed of DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights residents and PS 8 parents to begin a middle school search process. I feel strongly that this location is not the only solution — a school should not be used as a reason for an inappropriate building.

As many of you are aware one of the prime aims of my work as a city council member has been to create affordable housing. Again I do not feel that this incentive should be used to build an inappropriate building.

I feel this makes my position on this issue clear, but if you have further questions please do not hesitate to write me at dock07@gmail.com or contact my district office at (718) 875-5200.

Sincerely,

David Yassky

Looks like Mr. Yassky set up a gmail account to receive emails regarding the Dock Street Building. Finally, a website has been created by a group of citizens opposed to the development, savedumbo.org, which include some renderings of the building by Two Trees (below). While I don’t think a building on the lot is a bad thing, many residents are opposed to the size and having a middle school in the same structure as a residential rental building.

{More Middle Schools in Brooklyn, 05Aug07, NY Times, Letters to the Editor}
Previously:
{NY Times: Middle School Needed in the Area, 30Jul07}
{Dock Street Dumbo Plans Revealed, 27Jun207, }
{Two Trees Seeking Approval for 15-20 Story Building Abutting Brooklyn Bridge, 18Apr07}

Yesterday’s NY Times article by Gregory Beyer notes that “For a long time, Public School 8 in Brooklyn Heights was so troubled, it served as a sort of benchmark for local parents: If your child was old enough to attend, it was probably time to move out of the neighborhood.” But in 2003, with a new principal and involved parents, the quality of PS8 have improved and credited with keeping Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, and Fulton Ferry area families in the neighborhood. Now that the grade school kids are getting old enough for middle school, parents are forced to think about where to send their kids next:

The school district includes middle and junior high schools in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Park Slope, Vinegar Hill, Prospect Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant. According to Margie Feinberg, a spokeswoman for the city’s Department of Education, the district’s middle schools have more seats than students.

But many Brooklyn Heights residents find these options insufficient. They think the best way to capitalize on the success of P.S. 8 is to keep its graduates together in a new school of their own, preferably in their neighborhood….

To address the issue, Two Trees Management, a Dumbo development firm, submitted a proposal for a middle school serving about 300 students. The school would share a building on Dock Street — not yet built — with stores and housing. Jed Walentas, an owner of Two Trees, said his company insists on including a school component in the building. The Department of Education is examining that proposal.

According to the article, there are seats available in neighboring areas. So are those middle schools not adequate? Are they too far? Any parents care to comment about private school options in the Dumbo area?

{Wanted: A School of Their Own, 29July2007, NY Times}

Walked by the new 206 Front Street the other day and noticed some residents have moved into their condos. Any residents care to chime in about the building? Are you happy with your new place? Any gripes? Welcome to the neighborhood!

Previously:
{The Vista Received Its TCO, 11May2007}
{The Vista on Vinegar Hill Sold Out, 26Apr2007}
{New Residents, How’s Beacon Tower?, 3May2007}
{Vista on Vinegar Hill Progress Report (2/13/07), DumboNYC}
{Vista on Vinegar Hill Progress Report (11/13/06), DumboNYC}
{Vista on Vinegar Hill Progress Report (9/19/06), DumboNYC}

Dumbo Brooklyn based Dumbo Pet Care, Inc., owned by Cynthia Barnett, is more personal than a typical kennel. If the boarding facility looks like the pets home, it’s because Dumbo Pet Care is a loft home on Jay Street where the pets are allowed to roam, sleep on the couch, and play with their friends. Pets are not caged but have crates available for nighttime use. Dumbo Pet Care also provide dog walking services, home visits, and day care. With new residents moving into the area, there will no doubt be new pets to the area. I’ve asked Cynthia about future plans for her business:

How long have you been in business in Dumbo?

One year

How have your clients in Dumbo changed over time?

They haven’t changed, there are just more of them now.

What inspired you to start this business?

Aside from an obvious love of animals there was a desperate need for these services in Dumbo. For a long time there were only a few dog walkers serving the neighborhood and no boarding or daycare services available. I have a large loft in a pet friendly building and wanted to start my own business, so this was an easy choice.

What are some challenges in owning a small business?

As with any small business there are many challenges to overcome and being home based presents some unique ones. Working capital, advertising and promotion, pet safe cleaning supplies, being respectful to our neighbors, and more are issues we deal with regularly. It forces you to think more creatively, which I like.

What are your plans for the future?

We’re seriously considering opening a pet food store but plan to keep our boarding and daycare services home based. A lot of dogs don’t do well in a sterile commercial environment locked in a kennel obviously, and our customers definitely aren’t looking for that. This has become a home away from home for the dogs who stay often and we really like that. It makes their boarding and daycare experience pretty much stress free. We’re able to spend quality time with the dogs and work on issues like aggression, socialization, and house training. Our plans for the future include securing a larger loft in the same building (our landlord has been very supportive), partnering with rescue organizations to hold adoption events, and opening a pet food and grooming shop.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?

Being my own boss! I used to “baby sit” musicians and I have to say dogs are a lot more fun and a LOT less stressful!

—

For more information, please contact Cynthia Barnett at (347) 405-1423 or Cynthia@DUMBOPetCare.com.
www.DUMBOPetCare.com

If you would like to be considered for an interview, please contact us at dumbonyc@gmail.com.

 (Photo by Austin Mann Photography)

It’s easy to believe that the neighborhood, Dumbo, was coined by developers who wanted a cool sounding acronym like SoHo, NoHo, or Tribeca. But in fact, Dumbo was named by residents and artist loft tenants in the late 1970s who were looking for an uncool, anti-marketing name to protect their turf from developers who they thought were going to ruin the character of the neighborhood. Some things never change. After DumboNYC wrote an article titled Dumbo, the Historic District With the Modern Name, a long time resident sent an email and introduced me to Crane Davis.

Crane Davis is a writer and producer who lived on Washington Street in Dumbo from 1976 through 2006. In the 1980’s, he served as president of the Fulton Ferry Local Development Corporation. He recently retired to a home in the Hudson Valley near Woodstock. Crane is today’s guest writer. He lets us in on what the area now known as Dumbo used to be, and how he and a few others named Dumbo.

Click below to read Crane’s story. Read the rest of this entry »

The 2007 Dumbo Town Meeting last night at Powerhouse Arena attracted a few hundred attendees who enjoyed the snacks and finger food provided by neighborhood sponsors Foragers, Retreat, and Ferrigno’s. The Dumbo Neighborhood Association (DNA) organized the event, which brought together Dumbo residents, business owners, DNA staff, Dumbo Business Improvement staff, bloggers (Brownstoner and DumboNYC (others?)), elected officials, and artists to ‘meet-and-greet’ and to discuss neighborhood topics. As expected, the DNA did a great job organizing the annual event to inform people about Dumbo’s unique industrial landscape.

Councilman David Yassky was there to support the Dumbo neighborhood and discussed three main topics:

• Landmarking Dumbo - The office recognizes the importance to neighbors on landmarking and will work towards “having a landmark district within a year and a half” for Dumbo.
• Dumbo Area Schools - Mr. Yassky recognizes that there are many young families moving to the area. P.S. 8 has been improving. To keep families in the neighborhood, the next step is to bring a middle school to the area. The office is looking at ‘opportunities to open a middle school.’
• Brooklyn Bridge Park - The much discussed Brooklyn Bridge Park will begin its transformation soon. This summer will begin the opening of its floating pool between piers 4 and 5 south of Fulton Ferry.

Producer of the local film “Dumbo, Then & Now”, Julia Ryan, showed her poignant documentary that chronicled the rise and fall, and resurgence of the industrial Dumbo buildings. Preservationist Lisa Kersavage of the Municipal Arts Society showed the importance of Dumbo’s commerce and manufacturing in the late 1800s and early 1900s and how the bridges removed the importance of Brooklyn’s waterfront.

The evening ended with Jonathan Butler’s (of brownstoner.com) story of how Brownstoner came to be. Being a Manhattanite for most of his life, he moved to Brooklyn in 2003 not knowing everything he knows now about the variety of Brooklyn neighborhoods. But through his reporting, he’s immersed himself in all things Brooklyn. (’Stoner, you’ve got street cred in Brooklyn despite what you say.) Questions for Jon ranged from the fate of the Nova Clutch building and Admiral Row to what his thoughts are on the Brooklyn Bridge Park. (Someone even asked, what do you do? (?!)).

With so much change in the area, there are people concerned with housing and live/work space affordability, building preservation, and over-development. These are issues that local elected officials are aware of. Great event DNA and hope to see you at the next annual meeting!