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I heard a rumor that the MySpace store front next to Pine Tree was going to become a Starbucks.
Anyone else hear anything?
Brooklynian » Forum » Crown Heights and Prospect Lefferts Gardens »
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I'll tell you right now, personally, with Breuklan Coffee House, Zelda's, Pulp & Bean, and now CT Muffin on Nostrand, Starbucks Isn't even a blip on my radar (not that it is normally). Not sure how large that space is but we could use a damn bookstore!
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Totally with you, and I wonder what happened to the previous post I saw. I suspect no one is going to abandon any of their other coffee holes to go to a Franklin Ave Starbucks. But I do expect that there would be a sufficient demographic that goes nowhere right now to make it work.
So I embrace it in that regard if it does come. I expect that it will make us a permanent Impact Zone, and that can't be a bad thing!
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The Starbucks demographic is also expected to grow, as more market rate rentals and condos become available in the area over the next few years.
....the amount of local units expected to come on line in 2014 is substansial.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Looks like Starbucks Inc. deleted my post. Sorry, Starbucks. I couldn't comment without swearing. Won't happen again.
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Are you looking forward to the possiblity/rumor of a Starbucks, or annoyed by said possibility/rumor?
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Also, what's a "book"? Is that like an LP?
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Do we really want a Starbucks here?? I'm no Starbucks hater, and I partly admire Howard Schultz for some of his business ingenuity, but a Starbucks on Franklin Ave will not fare well for many of our lovely local establishments. All the merchants on our amazing strip are part of this community, none should be jeopardized by an anonymous profit machine.
Whatever your opinion, please share it with Starbucks: https://www.facebook.com/Starbucks
Or @Starbucks on twitter.AND PLEASE stop into MySpace to tell them what you think: 722 Franklin Avenue, http://www.yelp.com/biz/myspace-nyc-brooklyn, ask for Guy. Consider asking him why the rent for that store is $7000/month. That's a huge increase over the normal rates around here. They are doing the same thing with many residential properties in our neighborhood. Even as a property owner, that makes me very nervous. It's artificial and it's greedy and it's dangerous. MySpace doesn't live here, they only exploit and profit. Sure, owners can charge whatever they want, but it's your neighborhood and you should share your opinion about how it's being developed. When I last spoke with MySpace about their practices, they told me "we're not here to make friends, we're here to make money". Is that OK with you? If not, don't be silent about it, do your part. Stop renting apartments from MySpace. Tell your friends to stop renting apartments from MySpace. Every apartment rented from MySpace contributes to their ability/power to buy more properties here. If MySpace owns the property you live in, consider moving if you can. Or at least demand lower rent. Act fast, before you get priced out.
** Actions speak much louder than message board posts ** -
If I was Starbucks, I would wait until the new building is finished at EP and Franklin, and open a location there.
Much better foot traffic and visibilty.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I'm backin the starbucks it was only a matter of time anyway...
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I don't have a problem with MySpace or Starbucks being here to make money. If there is a market for their services, they will get their price, and if there isn't, well then they'll need to do something different.
By all means, vote with your dollars. I doubt moving out of your MySpace rental is going to hurt them much, though. And I doubt their customers are the ones that need to worry about being priced out. MySpace apartments are already at the fringe high end of the spectrum in terms of price per square foot.
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Eastbloc - I'm sad to read your lackadaisical perspective on the situation. Based on your other posts around here, it seems like you're pretty intelligent and that you understand at least the basics of how the real estate world works. So surely you understand the risks and repercussions of the actions of MySpace, and what impact they are having on this community. Although MySpace prices are at the fringe high end of the spectrum, that spectrum will continue to change with time. MySpace has been pushing/changing the spectrum for the last 5 years, very quietly. They continue to buy more and more property, which gives them more control over that price spectrum (and their property buying techniques are disgusting at best, which is a whole separate topic). The reality is that every single person that has ever used MySpace services to rent an apartment has helped fuel their coffers, enabling them to buy more property, which in turn increases their control over this neighborhood (a neighborhood they don't live in, one they admit they only want to profit from). Every single one of them. Most people don't even realize it, or understand all the dynamics. That's why it's so important to educate people and make them aware. It's hard enough to get people to act on something even when they do know all the facts, but education is the first step to progress. If you want to be part of the solution, maybe you want to consider taking more responsibility and/or action. If you really don't see any problem and you think their practices are just fine, I have to respect that view, but it sure does make me wonder.
I realize this presents a tricky conflict for property owners. Property owners want to see their property increase in value, so one instinct is to support/praise/remain silent about a company like MySpace who is known to be artificially and rapidly increasing prices, and doing so via very unethical practices (Crow Hill Community Association comes to mind here). I own several properties in this neighborhood, yet I remained alarmed and concerned. And I do put my money where my mouth is - the storefront I own on Franklin Avenue was recently offered for rent for $2,500/month. Sure, as an owner, $7,000/month is more attractive than $2,500/month. But at what cost? I'm not wealthy, nor am I ignorant about economics, I just choose different values and I vote with my dollars. I don't expect everyone to follow these morals, but I do hope there are enough of us in this community to keep it real.
Two truisms that come to mind: (1) When money becomes the primary focus, other concerns have a strange tendency to fade away. (2) When someone knows about a problem and chooses to ignore it, that person is actually part of the problem.
** Actions speak much louder than message board posts ** -
I wonder who will rent the MySpace spot if they are not able to attract a Starbucks.
The space probably can't accommodate a food place. It is too expensive for a Dollar Store.
Maybe a high end salon for the newly arrived brownstone owners? ....they don't seem to be keeping their $ locally, perhaps because they don't have places that cater to them yet.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I don't see MySpace as being categorically different than any number of broker-landlords operating in New York City. It's true that I see them asking top dollar for space. They also invest in and turn around many storefronts and residential buildings that were previously underutilized or not utilized at all, turning eyesores into attractive properties.
To some extent, they have led the charge to revitalize the neighborhood, whether they live here or not, and whether they pursue this goal out of self-interest or philanthropy. They deserve to get what the market will bear for this activity.
I don't have a problem with rising rents. Rents are addressed by the market. No one has the right to live in any particular place, if they cannot afford to do so. The rising rents in Crown Heights are nothing more than a reflection of the degree to which this has become a better place to live over the last five years. And I'm not convinced that the activities of MySpace have been entirely detrimental to this process.
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For the record, I think $7k/mo for that space is nuts, and I doubt they'll get it. They'd have to net $400/day just to pay the rent and minimum wage to a proprietor. There's no way a Starbucks could pull that here. The only way to do it would be with a wildly successful bar or restaurant, and that's becoming increasingly difficult to pull off around here.
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I don't have a problem with Starbucks, I just have a problem with Starbucks being on Franklin in that location. Yes, it's a corporate institution, and yes, it gobbles up mom-and-pops. I don't think the loyal clientele for Pulp & Bean, Bruekelyn, or that other new one farther north will leave their haunts for Starbucks. I just don't see the need for yet another coffee shop on Franklin between Eastern Parkway and Prospect. Where's the originality? How about some Colombian FOOD instead of Colombian roasts?
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Now that Mayfields is open, I'll have to see how it does, before I decide whether the area will support another sit down restaurant.
At the moment, I continue to like my idea of a salon for salaried women making over $70k a year.
I think the neighborhood is ready.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
A friend who lives upstairs reports that 742 Franklin will be an Italian restaurant of the sit-down variety, aiming to open May 1st: http://ilovefranklinave.blogspot.com/2013/01/more-franklin-restaurant-news-742.html
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Yes, the full text of the alcohol permit request stated they were going to become Italian. When I wrote this post, I had only learned that a permit had been requested:
...Those who want a Starbucks will either have to wait, or go to one of the dozen or so coffee houses already in operation.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
The liquor license passed CB8 today.
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Nice. I hope it's a good restaurant, but if it had some names behind it I'd expect we would know them already.
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Always looking around I agree with you. These people don't realize that they will be priced out in a matter of mins I'm a area landlord and I see it coming I see one bedrooms going to $2500 it's just a matter of time . Then these renters will have six people in a one bedroom struggling to pay the rent. They do loooove this area and very soon they will only be able to visit not live here. I just realized the other day the assoc with my space and crow hill block association WOW how the membership allow that to happen aren't there any by laws in the block association?
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Of course people in this area are aware the rent prices are going up. That is how a lot of people ended up here, they were priced out of Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, etc. If you're lucky you buy or at the least get into rent stabilized places and hang on as long as you can. Then you move further east or Queens, or south towards Bay Ridge and the process starts all over.
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The Italian place to be located at 742 Franklin will face some stiff competition from the new owner of the former location of Abigails:
http://brooklynian.com/forum/crown-heights-and-prospect-lefferts-gardens/is-abigails-kaput
He is an established businessman, who already operates two Italian places.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Getting into rent stabilized apt is slim to none all off u price out people of park slope and carrol gardens will be once again priced out of crown height they will make sure of that watch and see. Queens awaits!!
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No one (this includes residents and businesses) should get comfortable with the status quo.
Change is constant.
If the neighborhood gets poorer again, these places will close....
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Huh? I was priced out of Prospect Heights and had no problem at all getting a rent stabilized place. I'm not denying that people will be priced out. It is not news to anyone, especially those who have already been part of the wave. You saying "all you people will be priced out ahahaha (evil chuckle)". Also, I'm not sure why this makes you so gleeful? As a landlord you should just be happy so many people want to live here and "looooove this area". Why are you so happy at the idea of people moving to Queens?
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Tateinbk don't get too comfortable in that rent stabilized apt it's not a concrete situation. That's just a fact . Am I gleeful ? No I'm a survivor and I've seen more than u. Remember the longest liver sees the most.
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Why not the change took a good 50 yrs to happen back In The late fifties the white flight hit this area like a brick and now they are flying back its cyclical .
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No one should get comfortable, ever.
Even if you are an owner, you should be prepared to leave the neighborhood if it takes a turn for the worse.
...you'll get accused of abandoning the 'hood when times got hard, but you will get to keep your savings and safety intact.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Why not I have lived here and skipped by bullets in the poorer bad days, and it was never about the money it's my home. It was never about flipping for profit never ever
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For many, it is now.
...out of greed or fear, they will leave you here when (and if) times get bad again.
P.S. Others will leave merely because they get old and need a retirement home...
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
My neighbor just sold and took his seven million with him. That's him! Seven million does not move me
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chloeroyale, you don't know anything about me and what I have or have not seen.
Nothing is a concrete plan, not even owning outright. I also never said I planned on being here forever, just that getting into rent stabilized or owning is the best way to be able to afford a rapidly changing neighborhood as long as possible.
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Chloe-
Whether you move based on how much someone will pay you in the present market is up to you.
...your neighbor may have concluded that s/he will never get a better deal.
While you state you are not motivated by the money, do you think the value of your property will continue to rise?
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Why I really don't think about how much my property is worth and I'm being honest with u I thank God for my health everyday and that's what's important to me along with helping those I can . I'm not that kind if investor I'm sorry but that's how I feel.
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Oh tateinbk u seem upset cheer up things will get better for u. Take deep breaths and relax. U will get there one day don't worry.
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chloe-
There is no need to be sorry.Long term residents that are not exclusively motivated by money keep neighborhoods stable and safe. They know the history of the 'hood, and how to get things done with the other long timers.
Those connections and long time local friends can't easily be assigned a dollar value. Cherish them.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Thanks why not u understand!
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tatinbk » getting into rent stabilized or owning is the best way to be able to afford a rapidly changing neighborhood as long as possible.
tate-
Another technique to avoid having to move so often is to move to an area which seems pretty immune to neighborhood change. Look for a stable area, with lots of long time, residents.This way, you can avoid the positives and negatives of an "improving" neighborhood: higher food prices, lower crime, cleaner streets, higher rent, etc.
This way, you can avoid the positives and negatives of a "declining" neighborhood: more crime, few vegetables in local stores, dirty streets, poorly maintained building etc.
....Bensonhurst and Sunset Park, and Bay Ridge come to mind as stable.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I've definitely thought of Bay Ridge. We've also talked of the Brooklyn Chinatown area. Regardless I am not willing to go without fresh vegetables.
The problem with the more stable areas is they tend to be obnoxiously far away from the city. If I was smart I would probably make my next home back in Manhattan, this time further north in Inwood. Any further into Brooklyn and I'll never get a family member to come out and babysit.
Right now I'm enjoying riding the edge of the gentrification wave. I was just in the Manhattan Valley area where I grew up and it just blew my mind. I expect it, I know it, but man.... As soon as I jump a couple income brackets we're heading back and renting a place from my father. And then I can be just as smug about how we got from gunshots and back alley dog fights to Whole Foods and schmancy Doggie Daycare.
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Being smug is fun, but nobody seems to like smug people. That said, good luck on jumping those income brackets.
I'm regularly in the City College area (137th St) and have been amazed at the changes in Hamilton Heights (formerly known as West Harlem).
In addition to the stuff I mention above, I can now see kids playing outside again.
Although I don't partake, I feel my ability to score heroin on the street has decreased.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Thank you. As all things, it will take some time, but the income brackets will be reached. Maybe 5 years and my plan has me up at least one. There are plans.... Oh yes...
And yeah, it's hard to even get a bodega to sell loosies let alone heroin.
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Go one why not and we all know he or she is smug ! What a turn off
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U don't go to the right bodegas because as the stats show 60% of the cigs sold it New York are not taxed.
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It's not Starbucks, but the new coffee place on Park Place is open (sorry if someone already posted this and I just can't find it). Got some photos and a little report over on ILFA (ILFA), but the relevant info is that it's a small indoor space with a lot of outdoor space, close to the shuttle stop, with a case full of organic chocolates. I'm thinking the location and the outdoor space (once spring and summer roll around, or even once it gets back to being 55 degrees in January) will help them capture some market share.
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OMG IF STARBUCKS COMES THE NEIGHBORHOOD WILL LOSE ALL ITS CHARACTER AND CHARMED AND BE RUIIINNNNNNNNNED
yawn
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So many coffee shops, not a single bagel store on Franklin b/w eastern and atlantic! Holding out that this will become a reality eventually.
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I love Franklin ave I love the idea of another coffe shop opening up on park place it makes for good competition and best for the consumer ! I love that it has a outdoor space maybe they will rent the space for small gatherings
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What do you mean no bagel store? What about the Bean place? (I forget the exact name now, the one by Bob and Betty's)
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