Living in Bergen Street and Classon

capa1010

Hi all,

I've been a long time reader but this is the first time commenting.

We've been living in Prospect Heights near Flatbush Avenue for the past 8 years, we want to relocate and we are looking at properties around Bergen Street and Classon. We are a young family and I wanted to ask you guys about this area. I'm somewhat familiar with Bergen since we live kinda close, but I don't really know the day to day around the northwestern border of Crown Heights. What do you guys think of this part of the neighborhood?

Thanks!

whynot_31

Are you looking to buy or rent?

Are you planning to stay a while?

If you are planning to buy and/or stay a while, I would think long and hard about what the M1 zone will become, because you are right on the edge of it: http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/44390/eyes-are-again-on-the-m-1-zone-in-crown-heights

capa1010

Hi whynot,

Yes we are planning to stay for a while, I didn't know about the rezoning at all. I knew this was a mixed use area...so I guess we are going to see another Pacific Park over there?

Thanks for your help!

whynot_31

It is not certain what it will become.

The only thing that seems certain is that the autobody shops are going under and the upscale gyms and office parks are moving in.

I suspect we will end up with buildings that are zoned commercial, with residential above.

capa1010

Thanks for the info whynot.

dougallcurrie

I live on Bergen between Classon and Franklin, basically across from Berg'n. My bedroom window faces out onto Bergen. I must say that my patience has worn thin for the gaggle of very loud but apparently harmless people who gather outside every morning starting at 7am, in anticipation of visiting the clinic next store. Noise from Berg'n can also be annoying on weekends. There's not a lot of foot traffic as you move north toward Atlantic, and there are at times sketchy vibes on both Classon and Franklin in this area. I've enjoyed living on this block, but it is not without its concerns.

capa1010

thanks for the input Dougall

whynot_31

@dougallcurrie references the methadone clinic operated by Interfaith Hospital.    The clients pick up their dose every morning.

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/comment/475438/#Comment_475438

capa1010

How about the shelter on Bedford? Is that a concern?

whynot_31

The shelter has curfews, and is mostly occupied by older men.   

Said older men have mental health, drug use and legal involvements.   However, they tend not to engage/bother/victimize people who don't share their characteristics.

My advice:
1.  Let them have Herkimer Place.  
2.  Realize that the shelter is not going anywhere.

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/45670/homeless-issue-is-much-worse-this-year

  

Simon_B

I live on Bergen between Classon and Franklin as well, but closer to Classon on the same side as Berg'n.

While I agree that the noise in the morning from people waiting for the clinic can be annoying, I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker. There are kids that play soccer outside my building late into the night, who are equally disruptive as the adults in the morning, but there's something to be said for the fact that there are people out and about.

Having Berg'n on our block actually gives me a greater sense of security as well, as most nights the place is packed and there's substantial foot traffic as a result.

Had I known some of these things re:noise and clinic across the street, I might have chosen another block, but I don't think they're substantial enough to remove our block from consideration. I found an awesome place, and that alone is worth it to me.