MarineParker.net

Clearly taken in much better weather, these pictures confirm that the “second story question” for 3512 Quentin Road has been answered – apparently it is allowed.  All violations for this site has been resolved and building is going forth as planned.  According to Department of Finance data, this one-story building is already at its maximum allowable floor area – so how an extra story of 5,700 square feet can be permitted is beyond me.  Money talks, I guess. 

If you think the current traffic and congestion on Quentin Road is bad, take a walk/drive there now to see all the construction/cement trucks blocking the avenue.

For past posts on this development: UPDATE: 3512 Quentin Road Adds Second Story and Development Watch: 3512 Quentin Road (Herr’s).

Essentially the entire northern side of Avenue U between Hendrickson Street and Flatbush Avenue is for sale/for rent (with the exception of the the Verizon dealer).  Is this a prime opportunity for useful stores/shops to come to the neighborhood or just more of the same type of useless stores that grace most of Flatbush Avenue?

Mom and Pop Free WI-FI cafe/bakery, anyone?

Courtesy of Dumbo Books of Brooklyn

Today Sheepshead Bites posted a Courier-Life report that says the Kings Plaza Diner will be replaced by a Bed, Bath and Beyond. 

Courtesy of Sheepshead Bites:

The article, laden with enough praise for the diner that one must wonder if it’s an advertiser, says that Community Board 18 District Manager Dottie Turano mentioned at a recent meeting that she had heard “from sources” about the closing. Turano also detailed plans to move into the former Retro 50s diner on Cropsey Avenue in Coney Island, the Nebraskan Diner, which has been closed for two years.

Although owners are denying the rumors, Courier-Life reports:

The only evidence of any proposed change comes by way of city Department of Finance records, which showed a deed change at the Kings Plaza Diner back in February 2009 to Sigma Preferred Equities, which couldn’t be reached as this paper went to press. There has been no deed change for the Retro 50s diner since 1998. Residents, however, have noted that construction materials have been left at the site — possible evidence of an upcoming transformation.

Chatter about development on this site has been around for quite awhile.  Furthermore, the site isn’t large enough to accomodate a “big-box retailer” such as Bed, Bath and Beyond.  In fact, I doubt the entire site would even be large enough for the store’s parking lot.

To read the entire article from Courier-Life, click here.

To follow up our original post about this pending development on Quentin Road and East 36th Street (former site of Herr’s), it appears that beams have been erected in order to construct an additional story to this 8,500 SF one-story building.  Approved on November 18, 2009, the application proposes to convert the existing cellar and first floor to offices and to erect a new second floor. 

In November, MarineParker reported that these plans were originally disapproved by the Department of Buildings.  I surmised that the addition of a second story violates the site’s allowable FAR (the site in fact is currently at 1.0 FAR – the maximum for an R3-2/C1-2 district), as referenced on the Department of City Planning’s mapping tool.  However, this application has been approved for a second story of 5,077 SF, which will most likely be pitched or set back to allow for the sky exposure plane.  Additionally, if one looks to the adjacent one-story building on the corner of Quentin Road and East 35th Street, there is an additional second story set back from the street that is not completely visible from the street.  Perhaps this addition would resemble its neighbor.

Furthermore, the building permit states that this site will be used for an “Ambulatory Diagnostic and Healthcare Treatment Facility,” with the building increasing from 14 to 29 feet high, over twice its height. 

Perhaps Councilman Fidler, Marine Park Civic Association or Community Board 18 should become involved in someway?

Ashley Furniture Home Store has come to Flatbush Avenue between East 47th and East 48th Streets.  It appears that Flatbush Avenue could become a destination for furniture and home decor retailers (Raymour & Flanigan exists further south) as many sites could accomodate  the large showrooms that such retailers require. 

I think having reputable retailers that can bring a new clientele to the area is a good thing.  Flatbush Avenue has always had its share of fly-by-night businesses that do not add to a local area’s economy.  Although formula retailers are often cited for not contributing to the local economy, the existence of a successful one could foster locally owned businesses to open nearby.  And with so many sites vacant, it’s a good sign to see businesses come here.

The site of Savor Cafe has seemed unfinished for quite some time, yet today’s visit to the site confirms that it appears to be opening soon(ish).  Located at the corner of Avenue P and Nostrand Avenue, this site has had some “questionnable” tenants as of late, most recently a medical office whose windows were always obstructed.   As this little commercial strip has always seemed underutilized, it would be nice to have some activity here.

Today’s Daily News reports that Sheepshead Bay residents are in vehement opposition to a  proposed mosque in their area.  Situated on a residential street, many residents claim that the building presents a security issue in addition to bringing undue noise and traffic to the quiet street.  The building, which is to be affiliated with the Muslim American Society, would include a prayer hall and a community center with youth programs.  For the complete article, click here.

It appears that a new pharmacy is coming to Avenue U between Bragg and Brigham Streets.  Almost completed, my guess is that this is a Walgreens, based on the design and materials. Additionally, it looks very similar to the Walgreens that opened less than two months ago on Coney Island Avenue and Avenue W, featured on Sheepshead Bites.

According to the Department of Buildings, a parking lot with 27 spaces will be provided.  Due to a recent text amendment by the Department of City Planning, this parking lot must be landscaped.

Although I wish more “neighborhood serving” businesses would come to the area, it is understandable that in this economic climate only large corporations and franchises would be financially able to open a new store.

Ongoing construction of the Lowe’s Store on Avenue U (adjacent to Kings Plaza) has resulted in a gargantuan concrete wall along Avenue U.  This fortress-like barrier is not only ugly, but poorly positioned as it leaves little sidewalk space along Avenue U.  Additionally, this dense street wall obstructs views and could encourage dangerous behavior.  In the world of successful “place-making” this design fails – desolate as the street is late at night, now it is even more so.

According to the Department of Buildings, a “Partial Stop Work Order” exists on this site since the “work does not conform to approved site safety plans.”  The site currently has 11 open violations.

I don’t understand how this site plan was approved by DOB with the giant concrete wall abutting Avenue U.  It does not appear that there is a set-back, which is very hard to imagine not having along Avenue U.  The wall doesn’t appear to be temporary either. 

Does anyone have further information on this?