L TRAIN
I’m sure you have all heard but we figure we reiterate the facts. The L train shutdown in New York City isn’t being cancelled, it just isn’t happening as originally planned. Now, instead of shutting it down completely, they will be working on it only at night and on weekends. Seems like a much better plan, right? It is! But why did it take so long for them to come to this decision, and what is the impact on the real estate market — apartments and homes in both Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Although it is difficult to quantify how big of an impact the L train shutdown had on Brooklyn real estate in Williamsburg, multiple industry sources said they saw demand soften in the market when it still looked like a complete closure was happening. A StreetEasy study from December found that demand for rentals in Williamsburg, Brooklyn was the only neighborhood in the city to see a decline in real estate rental demand, with a 1 percent drop since October 2017.
While the neighborhoods along the L train in Brooklyn and Manhattan may still see some lingering side effects given how long news of a total shutdown was publicized, apartment and property landlords expect to see rental prices and demand both start rising sooner rather than later. Good news all around! Now the only question the residents of Williamsburg have to ask themselves is, which car service will they be using on the weekend?
A BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS?
In all my travels, I saw something similar across Europe and Asia... less plastic usage. When you go to a cafe, they don’t have plastic utensils. When you order takeout, they don’t sent the food in plastic. Now that I’m back in NYC, I realize just how much and how quickly we use and throw away plastic.
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said that he would push for a statewide ban on single-use plastic shopping bags as part of his 2019 budget plan, which he introduced in Albany on Tuesday, January 15. Efforts to regulate the bags in New York have been discussed for years; the governor first proposed legislation to prohibit the ubiquitous bags last April.
As plastic bags have polluted sidewalks, landfills and waterways, bans on the bags have become a hotly debated issue. Single use plastic bags are a big problem for the environment. Most of the bags are not biodegradable, and they can end up littering the streets, hanging in trees or polluting waterways. Like plastic straws, which have also come under scrutiny, the bags contribute to the massive quantity of plastics in the ocean.
In 2016, a report by the World Economic Forum suggested that by 2050, the world’s oceans would contain more plastic by weight than fish. Take a minute to digest that, isn’t that CRAZY?! As the plastics break down, they release toxic chemicals, threatening marine life. Also, the bags are generally not recycled. Even when they are sent to recycling facilities, they are so thin that they can jam equipment, slowing the recycling process and making recycling more expensive.
Politics aside, I think the one thing we can all agree on is that we need to make this earth we live on a safe and clean place for ourselves and the future generation. This should be a priority. If everyone sticks together and does the right thing, that is when you see impactful change. We hope this legislation passes and NYC becomes plastic bag free. We love New York City!
PROPERTY OF THE MONTH - 325 CONVENT AVE
This charming five story brownstone situated in Hamilton Heights, New York designed by architect Adolph Hoak in 1890, is truly a one of a kind single-family home. Each floor of this single-family home features unique period details that are truly a work of art. With approximately 4,500 square feet, this home has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Bring your real estate contractor and turn this mansion into the home of your dreams!
The Garden level of this property features a large kitchen with two oversized windows. The glass door leads directly to a lovely private outdoor space. This level also features the utility room which includes the gas burner, ( it was recently converted ) a washer and dryer and a full bathroom.
The Parlor level features two very large entertaining rooms on opposite ends of a beautiful sitting area showcasing an oak fireplace. Facing West is a large living room with an additional gas operated marble fireplace, displaying fully restored original details. An elegant piano room faces East with an ensuite bathroom. As you exit the living room and cross through a double faced original pocket door, you are welcomed into a beautiful windowed library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
Sitting on the Second floor is the master suite. It includes a large bedroom and a full bathroom with a standing shower with jets and a walk-in closet. The master bedroom is attached to a built in office and a large living room. Both rooms feature oak fireplaces with original details. The design of this home is stunning.
Upon entering the Third floor you are greeted by a very large skylight with two bedrooms on each end. The bedroom facing West includes a one of a kind curved window and a brass fireplace. It also has private access to the large bathroom with a full jacuzzi, standing shower and double sinks. This bathroom has full sun exposure due to two skylights in the middle. The bedroom facing East has a beautiful archway that leads into a small room which could function as an office, a study or a one-of-a-kind walk-in closet.
The Top floor has another bedroom with an attached office and bathroom. This level also has access to the roof deck which could function as a great summer gathering space! It’s such a unique piece of real estate.
