Wanted: New Stores on Washington Avenue

sevenoneeighty · February 2006

:?

Okay, so I am a "gentrifier" but is it wrong to want a decent restaraunt on Washington Avenue and/or a little more life?

I know all about " the Islands" and the other overpriced afro/carribean fare farther north but how about a nice Thai, Indian, Italian of Mediterranean spot on our end of the 'nabe or just a diner for a burger or a fish joint. I'd even settle for a decent green grocer becasue the Associated Grocer, bless their new Mural, aint cuttin' it.

What is the hold up anyway? Zoning? rent prices? You would think the Museum renovation, Botanical Garden and subway stop would bring a few new places but the development seems slow on this end. I would even settle for a video rental place.

Do I really have to go all the way to Sahadis for nicely priced whole bean coffee? How do you get freash bread w/o walking to Park Slope?

The slot of stores by the Liquor store on Lincoln and Washington is completely underutilized in its current configuration. It is a shame becuase anything put there would be welcomed.

alafairnadia · February 2006

well, gen is a very nice restaurant on washington. give it a try. and tavern on dean is about 3 strides off of washington.
I don't begrudge the supermarkets on washington - they function. I would, of course, love something vaguely nicer that was open later, but until something like that opens on vanderbilt, I doubt we'll get that level of awesomeness.

I *would* like to see a late night restaurant, especially one that did delivery, in the nabe. ANYWHERE in the nabe, as long as they deliver to me. in the meantime, I walk a few blocks to crown and get cheese fries.

ltjbukem · February 2006

a decent bodega/grocer w/ basic produce, some soy milk, some organic pasta, some sugar, salt, drano, liquid plumr, basic staples.

also sells ny times, lotto tickets, bklyn lager beer, etc.

arielbl · February 2006

Good pizza joint would be fantastic. Especially if they had a good calzones. Someplace with nice booths that also did delivery. An inexpensive little neighborhood place for a casual weekday dinner if we felt like getting out of the house, but not walking all the way over to vanderbilt or flatbush (we're just past Classon, if that makes us any less lazy!). A diner that was open at night for burgers and big salads with fried things and cheese and iceberg and gloppy dressing. YUM.

Thai would also be welcome, although I feel like it would be too much to hope for.

If there were a greengrocer on my walk home that sold flowers on the sidwalk, I'd probably buy them at least once a week.

sevenoneeighty · February 2006

I don't begrudge the supermarkets on washington - they function
---------------------------

Yea, ...but barely.

I mean, the vegetable selection at the Associated is a joke and they never price anything!!! I just wish they would try a little harder.
The Glassy Associated on Flatbush got the right idea.

Although the Wash. Ave Associated has gotten better and painted a mural, it is hard to make a mixed green salad in this neighborhood.
Seriously, I challenge you to make a non-iceberg lettuce salad withing an "8 block" radius!! Thank goodness for the G.A.Plaza saturday market!

To me, it isn't just about this neighborhood, but a poor social condition in urban areas: the absence of fresh vegetables/ produce. I shouldnt have to walk 6-8 blocks to get. The Bodegas function also, but mostly for packaged junk food, sodas, beer. It just annoys me thet the stores are alwyas so DIRTY and that it is also dirty in front of their store.
It just seems that they dont even try becasue they know we have no choices!! I think having choices to compete with them makes those places try harder also ( i.e. the Flatbuch Associated). Hey, we work hard and we deserve fresh bread in our 'hood!!

IF you take a trip PAST the Museum farther south on Washington/ Flatbush, there are some nice Bodegas and Carribean grocers - the kind with tons of vegetables and fruits in big containers out front!

jack krohn · February 2006

SevenOneEighty,

That's a good point, about there being good green grocers in the opposite direction. Flatbush Avenue going south has some huge green groceries, chock full of all the goodies you seek. It is a bit odd that an area gentrifying as fast as Washington doesn't have at least one.

vanilla · February 2006

what's wrong with wanting to improve life for everyone on washington ave? more than anything, i would like to see less trash all over the ground. ***just don't make my rent go up... eeep!

sevenoneeighty · February 2006

Subject: ....and another thing: Underhill Avenue

Oh yea,

And lets take it westside a little too: Underhill Avenue could be awesome with just a little love. Hang on Sepia!
Especially around the St. Johns intersection. That is Architecturally and visually one of my favorite intersections!

But back to Washington Avenue.
Yes PLEASE CLEAN IN FRONT OF YOUR JOINT MAN!!

Just 1-3 shops could really change the place for the better - nothing fancy. A friend of ours who wanted to open a spot on Washington told us of the rent being asked for to set up shot. It was Park Slope-like ridiculous. So they decided on NJ instead

Our loss.

I just want to be able to go out and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and read a paper and people watch at Sunday brunch like every other yuppie! And I don't think Thai is hoping for too much - it CAN happen!! I believe!!
If not on Washington, then Underhill!

Hey,
What exactly is the "Washington Avenue Merchants Association' and what do they do? Ever notice the banners on the lights on washingtn avenue??
Here is the info I could find:
------------------
Washington Avenue Merchants Association (WAMA)

WAMA helps businesses on Washington Avenue, Classon Avenue, Grand Avenue, and Sterling Place. Through a revolving loan fund it offers loans from $5,000 to $15,000 to existing businesses and start-ups for fixed assets and working capital. WAMA also offers grants up to $1,500 for storefront and security improvements.
-------------------------

I can tell you = $1500 might buy you 1 piece of 4x8 tempered glass for a storefront but that is it. What can a citizen like me do to help improve my neighborhood? I really want to get more involved but need recommendations of the good, the bad and the ugly options....
I like to volunteer and use this energy for something besides typing about the problems!

alafairnadia · February 2006

ltjbukem wrote: a decent bodega/grocer w/ basic produce, some soy milk, some organic pasta, some sugar, salt, drano, liquid plumr, basic staples.

also sells ny times, lotto tickets, bklyn lager beer, etc.

I'm pretty sure that cepada has soy milk. not sure about organic pasta. but they have the basics, plus some 'upscale' basics.

sje · February 2006

Subject: Re: ....and another thing: Underhill Avenue

SevenOneEighty wrote: Hey,
What exactly is the "Washington Avenue Merchants Association' and what do they do? Ever notice the banners on the lights on washingtn avenue??
Here is the info I could find:
------------------
Washington Avenue Merchants Association (WAMA)

WAMA helps businesses on Washington Avenue, Classon Avenue, Grand Avenue, and Sterling Place. Through a revolving loan fund it offers loans from $5,000 to $15,000 to existing businesses and start-ups for fixed assets and working capital. WAMA also offers grants up to $1,500 for storefront and security improvements.
-------------------------

I think I posted this at some point, but it's relevant here, so here we go again: About a year/2 years ago, I tried to move my boutique to a space on Washington, the small one next to "Heart of Brooklyn" offices {I think it's a crappy thrift store now}, it was trashed, the rent wasn't crazy, though. The space was being shown by lame agent Marjorie what'shername on Washington, her office is right across the street. She showed it to me, then never called me back after I said I wanted it. When I called her, she was very rude and blatantly blew me off, and that was that. Bear in mind I had a viable, growing 5 year old {now over 6} business at that point, a very stable bet as a tenant.

The WAMA is a dead organization. They had no money or even anyone to speak with then, whatever funds they initially got is long gone, and the storefront has been abandoned for a long time. You will get nothing from them in terms of grants, loans or even information. It does not exist anymore, unless it's been revived very recently {doubtful}.

Washington Ave. is unfortunately riddled with old school, low end prejudices and mindsets. Structurally, it's a mess. Trying to get in there to clean it up and better it was impossible for me, and I'm no shrinking violet. Good luck to anyone attempting it, you'll need it.

I ended up on Vanderbilt, as most of you know, so it worked out great for me. But the shop could have been on Washington!

ben · February 2006

I saw someone going into one of the WAMA offices the other day so I don't think it's completely dead. However, I can't say whether they can actually provide any assistance or not. I've also noticed that there are 2 or 3 storefronts with their sign on them, not sure what's up with that.

sevenoneeighty · February 2006

I ended up on Vanderbilt, as most of you know, so it worked out great for me. But the shop could have been on Washington!

See - thats what I am talking about: Missed Opportunitues!
Like the Seattle Seahawks Superbowl performance ( and the refs) its just a shame!

As far as I am concerned, the stretch of Eastern Parkway from Washington to G.A.P. is one of the biggest cultural Hubs in all of New York.
The Museum/ plaza and fountains -and the 2/3 train-, Botanical Garden, The Library ( with new plaza coming), The G.A. Plaza, The Park and the Market of course.

First Saturdays in the Sping and Summer are simply amazing events that bring people from all over the city and they should be a catalyst for more development. The public space at the museum was an urban planning success. Unfortunately, you have to LEAVE the neighborhood to get a meal - unless you want to wait 1 hour at the islands while being ignored.And the line is out the door and 12 deep - mostly bc of poor service!!

The logical connection is Washington Avenue off of the fountain plaza but that is the first and only place you run in to for a bit of a stretch.
The few other sit downs are farther away and overpriced AND there is that one diner that is ALWAYS closed!!?? what the hell is up with that place? They are suposed to have good pancakes too.

It really is a shame but how long can this stagnation last?
I will just have to keep walking to Vandy and Flatbush for my junk for now. But Did the museum/ bot garden entry redesign/ revamp help the neighborhood or is it too early to tell?

There seems to be no shortage of Liquor stores, barber shops and bad Chinese take out ironically!! We dont need any more of those PLEEEEZE!!

sje · February 2006

AS an example of the mindset: I asked what was going on with the large empty Jamaican food place on the same block that was also for rent, and Marjorie said she was searching for another $.99 store to take that space. I was stunned, talk about keeping the neighborhood "down". Is that big storefront still empty?

Seriously, real estate agents like that can help or hinder an entire neighborhoods development.

I hope the WAMA is alive again, it's so desperately needed.

alafairnadia · February 2006

sje wrote: AS an example of the mindset: I asked what was going on with the large empty Jamaican food place on the same block that was also for rent, and Marjorie said she was searching for another $.99 store to take that space. I was stunned, talk about keeping the neighborhood "down". Is that big storefront still empty?

yes, still empty. $.99 cent store? christ.

pete_c · February 2006

BUTCHER STORE

I'll say that again now.

BUTCHER STORE

Thank you.

ltjbukem · February 2006

re: BUTCHER STORE:

would you want

1. ham hocks, offal, pig feet, london broil, beef brisket

or

2. niman ranch pork, d'artagnan meats, organic ground turkey, pork, beef, dry aged ribeyes, etc

or a mix?

i would want a mix.

great call on the butcher store. we need a staubitz in prospect heights.

carnivore · February 2006

pete_c wrote: BUTCHER STORE

Yay! I've been saying that since my very first post here (before I even registered).

http://dailyheights.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=96

vanilla · February 2006

just don't put the butcher on my block!! there is a reason i don't live in queens... well, more than one; but the "fresh killed meat" was the worst.

mikewalton718 · February 2006

Oh yeah, good meat is a beautifull thing, I get so scared looking at the stuff at C-Town and Key Foods, I usually go to Whole Foods in the city for a lot of my groceries.

Movie rental place? I don't think the one on Washington ave actually rents movies, looks like a front for crack or something, don't think they have any movies made before 1982.

Toms needs to hire a full time staff and be open for dinner and Sundays, they'd make a killing.

A cool book store, good music shop? cool clothing shop?

and in my opinion, The afore mentioned Broker Marjorie Thompson is a rude hoochie, we gave her a serious brokers fee for our APT ( which I must admit I DO like) but she acted like she was doing us a huge favor and was constantly annoyed with any questions, plus I've seen apts she is trying to rent on craigs list that have follow up posts from previous tennants saying how the place is an infested slum, I think she is shady.

sevenoneeighty · February 2006

A butcher shop!
Hey that is a great idea! that would be fantastic! Maybe fresh cheeses also! I would pour money in to a place like that weekly! Steaks and chops!
Swiss and Ramano!

A 99 cent store! Oy Vey!!?? WHAT THA' HELL IS SHE THINKING?
phuuuk!!!! This is crazy! How do we get rid of her? Daaaamnnn!

Interesting neighborhood fact:

Did you know that the owner of the Love Liquor store on Wash and Lincoln is the brother of the hardware store owner on Washington up the street (an embarrassment of a hardware store I might add!) I told him that his brothers hardware store is awful!!! They have NO inventory.
Pinchik(sp?) on Flatbush ,on the other hand, is awesome!Free popcorn too!
Some things are overpriced but they at least try to be a good business ( clean store, knowledgeable staff, painted pig and cow out front - very cool.

vanilla · February 2006

vegan muffins would be nice.

mc · February 2006

How about a place called "Optical Options"?
Oh, wait, never mind.
A place to get good produce ala Natural Land and a butcher shop.

flute · March 2006

I went to the Amish Market on Park Place near Greenwich in Manhattan yesterday. Ultimate yuppie destination, granted. But I decided that THAT is what I, personally, would like to see on Washington. That, or something like Sea Land, which is better, in the long run. So, uh, forget about Amish Market for now. I say a clone of Sea Land.

Ok? Who's workin' on it?

8)

brownie · March 2006

What is Sea Land?

whyfi · March 2006

brownie wrote: What is Sea Land?

The seafood market inside of Natural Land on Flatbush.

flute · March 2006

brownie wrote: What is Sea Land?

I guess I really meant "Natural Land" ... not Sea Land, per se. Seafood,yes, but more importantly, an excellent Korean grocery. Wonderful produce. Lots of organic stuff. Open 24 hours.

apollonia666 · March 2006

MikeWalton718 wrote: and in my opinion, The afore mentioned Broker Marjorie Thompson is a rude hoochie, we gave her a serious brokers fee for our APT ( which I must admit I DO like) but she acted like she was doing us a huge favor and was constantly annoyed with any questions, plus I've seen apts she is trying to rent on craigs list that have follow up posts from previous tennants saying how the place is an infested slum, I think she is shady.

A lot of people have said similar stuff about her here before, which makes me want to add this: how about a GOOD real estate broker's office on Washington?

I did check out one new broker just off Washington this past weekend (don't remember the cross street but it was not too far north of Eastern Parkway) and saw an apartment with one of their guys yesterday in one of those big buildings on Eastern Parkway right near the Franklin Avenue stop. It was cheap, but it sure wasn't pretty.

moufaisbad · March 2006

MikeWalton718 wrote: Oh yeah, good meat is a beautifull thing, I get so scared looking at the stuff at C-Town and Key Foods, I usually go to Whole Foods in the city for a lot of my groceries.

Union Market on Union and 6th.
I have never been happier with any service that i have received at any place in NYC.
Some grocery items are very overpriced but the meat is gorgeous and not as expensive as Whole Foods (I feel that in good conscience I must divulge that I really hate them anyway

)
If Union doesn't have a cut of meat that you want, tell them and they will have it the next day AND!?!? If you know you want something particular for a day or 2 later, you can call them and they will not only make sure they have it, they will hold it for you.
The guy who is usually behind the counter is Xavier and he is very friendly and helpful.
I go there for all of my veggies and meat. regular, everyday grocery stuff I can get anywhere.

ben · March 2006

Over on Brownstoner an anonymous tipster claims that there are 2 new restaurants and a gourmet market in the works for Washington Ave.

http://brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2006/03/washington_aven_1.html#comments

Can anyone confirm this and/or have additional details?

alafairnadia · March 2006

Ben wrote: Over on Brownstoner an anonymous tipster claims that there are 2 new restaurants and a gourmet market in the works for Washington Ave.

http://brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2006/03/washington_aven_1.html#comments

Can anyone confirm this and/or have additional details?

in terms of the market, the deli at the corner of st. johns & washington is undergoing renovations. I had heard that they MAY be adding some gourmet products to their shelves to compete with the deli across washington from them (which has less space and zero gourmet products). otherwise, I'm not certain there is a space anywhere large enough for gourmet market vacant right now. well, maybe the empty deli space on the OTHER corner of st johns and washington.

Wanted: New Stores on Washington Avenue

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