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Barclay's Center opens

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Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,062

A few friends and I checked out the front of the Barclays Center on opening night last Friday. We were there around 1130 and it was very lively. There was a band playing very cool music out of instruments fashioned from plastic pipes. Another guy was breakdancing. The jumbotron was flashing lights, making it look like a club. There was a large crowd, but it was well-contained and the new subway entrance is well-placed for the departing crowds. My wife rode the B41 earlier in night (around 730) and asked the driver how traffic was; he said it was very smooth and not nearly as bad as everyone had feared. Walking home, I noticed that the crowd thinned considerably by Bergen Bagel and around St. Mark's, you'd never have known there was an arena and sold-out show nearby.

And, as hard as it may be for some to believe, it is now Monday and no one has puked on my stoop.

# Posted 7 mos ago
Dancefeverstudios
rookie newb
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 32

Think It'll be good for the neighborhood! Looking forward to attending a few concerts and games.

Dancefever Studios 159 20th St and 3009 Ave J

# Posted 7 mos ago
threecee
getting it
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 91

it seems that it's not so bad in the hoods behind the arena, but i'm hearing that those who live across flatbush from the arena (pacific btw flatbush/4th, e.g.) are feeling the brunt of it: loud, late-night arena goers on the street, peeing on stoops, etc.

# Posted 7 mos ago
Idlewild
rocking it
Joined: Sep '05
Posts: 2,795

I am actually surprised how well the traffic moved on the Flatbush Ave./4th Ave intersect during the Jay-Z concerts. As much as I hate the arena I must admit to the ease of how this place is operating. At least for the present time. I still don't believe surrounding businesses, except for the Modell's and Junior's, will see a high economic patronage from the arena's attendants.

"Clamato! Straight Up! No chasah!

# Posted 7 mos ago
Salix
getting it
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 139

I passed through the Atlantic-Pacific subway stations about 6:30 PM Friday & was astounded at the security: several types of K-9 units, riot gear, armament, etc. The cops seemed a little sheepish at the display, but they were clearly prepared for anything. Very nice noting was needed.

# Posted 7 mos ago
Ian2010
Will work for food and eat for work
Joined: May '10
Posts: 48

I'm all for modern art, more than most, but I was shocked and awed at how the rust/distressed motif was really intentional and not something to be later painted/glassed over. Are they joking? I wasn't on the bandwagon about stadium or not a few years back but now that I see what they've done with it, apparently they think Brooklyn residents are stupid enough to think that's something fancy.

# Posted 7 mos ago
MissWest
Educator
Joined: Sep '12
Posts: 4

Over on Vanderbilt, you wouldn't even know that there was a concert going on nearby. I was surprised how quite it was.

J West

# Posted 7 mos ago
Capt. Planet
Life is for the living, so let's get it on!
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 930

Now when that add 10,000 new residents in say year 2020.....

# Posted 7 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Capt-
Don't forget the PH and western CH area has "recently" lost population due to gentrification.

The logic is that wealthly folks tend to have smaller households, yet occupy the same size apartments.

So, we might need 10k new residents to replace the population "we" have lost.

I wonder how many units of housing they will require.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 7 mos ago
threecee
getting it
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 91

then, there's this:
http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-barclays-center-as-giant.html

"Over the past several nights, during certain songs, the bass rumbles out from the Jay-Z concerts at the Barclays Center such that you can feel it on the streets and even inside apartments on adjacent blocks. The arena thus serves as a giant neighborhood sub-woofer, or a low-level volcano."

there are reasons why NYC zoning forbids arena within 200 feet of residences. too bad they overrode NYC zoning because it's a "state" project. wonder how/if they're going to fix what may be a very expensive problem.

# Posted 7 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Everyone hates paying their taxes, even entities which were created with the help of taxes:

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121120/prospect-heights/barclays-center-owners-say-city-grossly-overvalued-arena

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 6 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Apparently the folks at Barclays decided this was a fight not worth having:

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121123/prospect-heights/barclays-center-owner-drops-challenge-citys-741-million-appraisal

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,062

Well, it's been four months since the arena opened and, given the multitude of dire predictions I heard for years about crime, filth, traffic jams, noise, public urination, refracted sunlight, plummeting property values, and fans that would never use public transit, I must say reality has painted a very different picture. Yes, I am fully aware that there have been some issues, but there's no arguing that it's nowhere near as catastrophic as many feared (see story below about crime rate):

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130130/prospect-heights/barclays-center-crime-is-minimal-police-say

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Many people are taking LIRR to events
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/lirr-ridership-boost-from-barclays-events-1.4520171

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 3 mos ago
the collection next door
rookie newb
Joined: May '08
Posts: 21

yes, i guess the eminent domain abuse, massive public subsides, political corruption and destruction of neighborhood were all worth it LOL

ZOMG Jay-Z is so much cooler than providing projected jobs anyway.

# Posted 3 mos ago
Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,062

Yes, there were and yes he is!

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Only suckers believed this project would deliver everything positive it promised. ....many of these same people tried to tell people that project would end life as we know it.

Others people simply see this project as yet another example of life as we know it.....

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 3 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 902

Love it or hate it, it is what it is.

The Dude abides.

# Posted 3 mos ago
Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,062

And my stoop remains puke-free!

# Posted 3 mos ago
Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,062

Here's another article lauding the lack of crime near the arena. My favorite quote:

"Over a million people have visited the Nets’ new home since it opened in September, but there have been a mere six crimes reported there so far, sources said. The crimes, none of which were serious, were mostly property-related or people acting disorderly, sources said."

Ironically, the article quotes Eric McClure, the kook who, along with his wife, ran NoLandGrab for years. I wonder if the reporter even realized it, or bothered to ask him about all of the doom-and-gloom predictions he made for years.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/stadium_safety_net_75iSbulVVODJ1yRPcnDHuN

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

It does make you wonder who they thought would be attending the wide variety of shows that the arena is putting together....

It is as if they didn't realize that the attendees of different events would have different proclivities, and/or simply feared the unknown without thinking it through.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 3 mos ago
the collection next door
rookie newb
Joined: May '08
Posts: 21

i was just pointing out that the "crime" of Atlantic Yards is the circumventing of public process.

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Crime is rarely done with consent.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 3 mos ago
Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,062

Agreed.

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Another article on how those who believed there would be an onslaught of crime, have not been correct:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/nyregion/chaos-and-crime-predicted-with-barclays-center-have-not-materialized.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

The fans of Sesame Street on Ice, and those who can pay $80 for a ticket to the Nets are better behaved than they thought.

Stay tuned to this thread for our coming expose: "Do you need an AR-15 to ward off intruders?"

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 3 mos ago
DeeDee
getting it
Joined: Jul '05
Posts: 188

I am sure that Norman Oder will find (or already has found) a way to interpret this in a negative light.

# Posted 2 mos ago
the collection next door
rookie newb
Joined: May '08
Posts: 21

I always like to get my information from Ratner's business partners (NY Times) rather than anyone who has done any research.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

If there was chaos around the arena, wouldn't the non-NYT media be reporting it?

I have a hard time believing that the Atlantic Yards Report is our only source for reliable information, and the other media is part of conspiracy....

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
Chekhovian
getting it
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 173

I think a bigger story is the lack of impact Barclays Center has had on Vanderbilt. When I leave Nets games, all the foot traffic on Dean dissipates by the time I get to Carlton where there'a parking lot. Not many people seem to be going to Vanderbilt establishments after games.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Yup. A lot of new businesses (I am thinking Fish Fish, mo Fish, and Back 9) seem to have anticipated an influx of customers that has not arrived.

Perhaps the customers will come when more of AY is completed?

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
Chekhovian
getting it
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 173

I think the only phases of AY that are on the near horizon are the towers attached to Barclays Center. So I don't see those residents being drawn east when the Park Slope and Fort Greene areas are the established post- and pre-event meeting places.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Yes, this may be a case where we have two groups disappointed:

1. Those who predicted the arena would be the end of quality of life as we know it, and wanted to be correct.

2. Those who spent lots of money buying and renovating businesses that aren't quite in the right area.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
the collection next door
rookie newb
Joined: May '08
Posts: 21

Everyone should realize there is a distinct lack of serious media coverage in Brooklyn. We don't even have a daily newspaper. That is why we are all sharing information on blogs and websites (like this one), and a few intrepid individuals, who are volunteering their time mind you, have taken up the role that the press should be playing by blogging. Just sayin'!

# Posted 2 mos ago
PragmaticGuy
above average
Joined: Apr '11
Posts: 397

Speaking of a lack of media coverage, I get the Brooklyn Progress which is the newspaper from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. The only businesses they report on are those that are members and occasionally there is an article dealing with the political scene and how it affect those living/working here. There are no stories at all about any neighborhoods or anything about the area around Barclay's. Now, maybe it's not their function to do that type of reporting but I would think that if they wanted to get more businesses joining that there would be an effort to report about what's going on and where the up and coming business areas are.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Here is an article by a guy that is very attached to Hanks, the bar at Atlantic Ave and 4th with the flames painted on it.

http://www.esquire.com/_mobile/features/regarding-this-brooklyn-0313

It is pretty good.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

Developers Did not Destroy Brookyln:

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/why-developers-didnt-destroy-brooklyn.html

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,062

Thanks for the link. Very interesting article. My favorite quotes:

"To Friedrich, gentrification is fantastic when the new arrivals are artists and their apartment is a converted factory."

"Whereas Friedrich thinks Williamsburg was invented the day she arrived and no one was displaced before 2005..."

The latter reminds me of times when, at my job, I have spoken with residents of Williamsburg and Bushwick (during the early gentrification days of those areas) who disliked the arrival of "artists", saying that they would eventually cause rents to increase. Why is it that "artists" never consider themselves an unwelcome presence and feel that the neighborhood was prarie and sage brush before they arrived with their paints and easels?

I just learned that the Nets made the playoffs. Where are all the naysayers who said that this would be a colossal failure?

And my stoop remains puke-free!

# Posted 1 mo ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,065

The Daily News ran a piece today describing how there has not been a major impact on most businesses either.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/big-bucks-barclays-beer-heavy-bars-happy-clothing-shops-restaurants-frustrated-article-1.1253314

...those who believed the hype and signed long leases for lots of money may be among the suckers in this deal.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 3 wks ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 542

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