Bergen Street between Nostrand and New York?

bikegirl26 · July 2008

I've been reading the boards for a while but this is my first post, so hello!

My two roommates and I are in the process of signing a lease for a gorgeous apartment on Bergen between Nostrand and New York. The place is amazing and we can afford it, the minute we walked in it became aware that we are moving to Crown Heights.

I'm not too worried about the neighborhood as I lived in Bushwick twice, pre-hipster-invasion, so I know I can take care of myself - IE take ipod off on the train, know where you're going, etc. I'm also aware that a few blocks away is a completely different story so I was wondering if anyone had any particularities about this block.

A few things -
. We noticed a community garden across the street - my roommate is quite obsessed with gardening and we'd like to be at least somewhat involved in the nabe.

. Do you think the Armory will be a problem for us? It's not on the way back from any of the trains, plus we have bikes, so I was thinking as long as we don't walk that way, especially at night, it should be fine. We have locks on our windows as well so will be cautious.

. Apparently there is a gay bar on the corner - Starlite. What's the story with it? Both of my roommates are gay - they're not the type to walk around holding hands and making a scene, but if there's a gay bar on the corner that could be the icing on the cake.

I believe that's it for now...just any general info you have, I've been doing lots of research on the boards and talking to friends that live in the neighborhood, but would like a few more details before we move in!

Thanks!

jack krohn · July 2008

The Starlight Lounge is a gay bar that welcomes all people. It's been around for several decades and has received positive feedback on this board.

Anytime I've passed by the armory, I've been left alone. Most of the guys loitering there seem more interested in socializing with one another than bothering passersby. It might be a different story for a woman, though, but it sounds like you and your roommates can easily avoid it if you choose to do so.

The shelter is slated for a massive expansion, courtesy of Bloomberg and Co., but there's been community opposition, so it's growth is not a done deal.

I don't know about the community garden, but once you're settled in, I'm sure you can ask around the block and find the proper person to direct your inquiry.

Best of luck and welcome to the neighborhood!

nearnostrand · July 2008

I forget the person's name, but there is a woman who lives directly across the street from the garden who is (or was) in charge of it. I also can't remember the house number, but her house has a driveway so that should help. She's quite nice. I belonged to the garden a few years ago and the only requirements were that if there was a plot available, you donated $20.00 to use it and then you were given a key and were expected to do your part in keeping the garden looking clean, neat and nice. Signs up usually occured in the early spring, although when I joined, it was summer.

Regarding the armory, I don't think it's too much of a problem regarding your safety as you come and go, especially since t's quite possible to avoid that strip altogether if you wish.

You seem to be well prepared for issues facing city dwellers in general. Enjoy what sounds like a beautiful apartment and to secong Jack Krohn,
"Best of luck and welcome to the neighborhood!"

dapearl9 · July 2008

I live right around the corner on New York Ave and love the area. I've never had any serious trouble going to and from the train, though I am a guy so that may make the difference. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to volunteer for the garden but it's open very often at least from what I've seen. I've never had a problem with the armory and honestly I never ever have a reason to go near it. I wasn't even aware of its existence when I first moved here. I'm not gay but I wandered into Starlite Lounge once before knowing it was a gay bar. I felt pretty awkward when I caught on to it but it seemed like a decent enough place and I've never heard of any issues with it around the neighborhood. There is another, non-gay bar in the area too named Franklin Park which is great. It's about a 15 minute walk from New York and Bergen.

fishblimp · July 2008

is it a gay bar every night of the week? or is it a gay-friendly bar where all types of people go?

brooklynleather · July 2008

I am so into Starlite!

Many of my friends and my partner live in the area around New York and Nostrand above and below Atlantic Ave. Most have not had problems. I've had a few friends get gay bashed on Fulton when heading towards the train. A gay man was brutally murdered in 2005 and his body disposed of in the Nostrand A/C station. You can read about it in the station itself, there are still Wanted notices about it. Very messed up and tragic.

My friends lived on Atlantic between Bedford and Nostrand and constantly had their car broken into. I am curious to know what it is like near the Armory now as I am relocating to the area, most likely, myself.

homeowner · July 2008

I'd call it a straight-friendly gay bar. I remember it being there as far back as 72-73 but it may actually predate that.

alafairnadia · July 2008

it's the first black-owned gay bar in nyc, and the first gay bar in brooklyn, as far as I know. I LOVE starlite. every time I walk in some woman grabs me and we're dancing. and it's not a come on (for those who aren't gay/bi - don't worry) it's just to get me dancing cause I'm always like "yay! love this music!" and that's exactly how I spend hours in starlite. place fucking rocks.

oh, and all of my totes-le-straight friends love it there. it is super welcoming, no matter who you are.

Bergen Street between Nostrand and New York?

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