Berkeley Bob's visit to Sterling Place

I have posted on this board a few times how my family has a long history on Sterling Place going back to 1900's when my grandfather bought a 3 story building between Franklin and Bedford. We basically fled from the street when my grandfather who was held up a few times in the early sixties, died after being pistol whipped during one of the holdup's. He was in his early 70's. 

About 13 years ago after coming back to Brooklyn with my wife who is from Brooklyn, we drove to the building and checked out the street. Seemed dangerous as where my grandfather had a dry cleaning, tailor shop it was turned into a small grocery store with the cashier behind bullet proof glass.
This summer I dropped my son and nephew off at Prospect Park and walked to Sterling. Had no idea it would be such a long walk. Was impressed with Sterling. The people I saw looked nice and the buildings looked good. I walked past a school where I'm sure my mom must have gone to when she was a girl. When I crossed Franklin it seemed not as nice but still ok. The building my grandfather owned is there but the first floor store was bricked over and now must be a residence. Wanted to talk to some people but really no one to strike up conversation with. Walked back going down I think Washington which was much livelier to Eastern Parkway and really enjoyed the scene at the library with a farmer's market and a teenage jazz band. Could see why my mom loved her neighborhood so much.
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my walk and visit to Crown Heights.
Bob