September 10, 2012 · 9:15 pm

For sale – secret hideaway in Stapleton ($110,000)

The address says Van Duzer Street, but in truth this house and lot abuts no street at all! This wee cottage (2 bedrooms, 992 square feet) sits on a 2,400 square foot lot sandwiched in between the backyards of homes on Van Duzer and Targee.  Check out the location marked on the Property Shark map:

How does one even get back there?  Is there a secret passageway from the street?  Do you have to pass through the neighbors’ backyards?  If you go check it out, please let us know.

According to the listing, here’s what you’ll find in this secret spot:

TONS of potential, we think.  Plus no street noise!  Not too many New Yorkers can claim that.

The yard, while currently overgrown, is large.  Someone with some gardening chops could transform this into their own private, secret garden paradise.

Sadly, there are no pics of the living space.  It’s described as a “handyman special” so presumably everything needs work.  At $110,000 and annual taxes at $486, you could get this place for a total monthly payment of less than $500.  Not bad, right?

GMAP

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August 16, 2012 · 10:15 am

For sale – 2 fixer-uppers on Willis Ave

In an early morning stroll around the neighborhood, we happened upon Willis Ave for the first time. It’s located just one block off the busy arterial, Victory Boulevard, but at only one block long it feels as quiet and quaint as a small village lane. A series of charming, semi-attached homes built around 1916 sit nestled into the side of the hill. Small double-door garages face the street.

Two homes along this lane have for sale signs out front.  Number 50 Willis Ave is in foreclosure and listed at $255k through the Fannie Mae Homepath Program, which allows low down payments and renovation financing.  The house is set up as a two-family and looks to have hardwood floors, thick mouldings  and bright rooms.  The kitchen is good sized, but could use a bit of work.

Number 44 Willis Ave also has a for sale sign posted, but I don’t see an online listing.  I love the porch on this one, which overlooks the neighbor’s impressive garden across the street.

This block has its challenges, including a couple of vacant lots and an apartment complex that appears to have been abandoned mid-construction (you can see it on the google map street view if you’re curious).  But it has a lot going for it as well, such as a cohesive stock of adorable houses and a location that is convenient to shopping, restaurants, buses and ferry.

GMAP

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July 20, 2012 · 2:30 pm

Catch up

We’ve been having a blast this summer, making the rounds of local festivals like Lumen and Van Duzer Days, and taking every opportunity to get to the beaches and parks.  Since it’s been so blasted hot, we’ve also avoided using our stove and oven whenever possible.  What a perfect excuse to eat out more often!

Lucky for us, in addition to our old favorites, tons of new places to eat and drink have opened up in recent months. Here are some of the new spots we’ve been checking out:

Bagel Mercato, 70 Bay Street in St George.  Great spot to sit and enjoy breakfast or lunch or to grab a bagel and coffee on the way to the ferry.  Wish they’d expand weekend hours!

Blue, 1115 Richmond Terrace in the old RH Tuggs spot.

Ting n Ting, 704 Bay Street in Stapleton.  Definitely try the Callaloo!

Tapas, 661 Bay Street in Stapleton.

Rick’s Cafe, 695 Bay Street in Stapleton.  If you like them on facebook you’ll be privy to special offers, such as tonight’s 10% off your bill.

Blooming Coffee Shop, breakfast, lunch and dinner at 469 St. Marks Place in Tompkinsville.

Famous Eddie’s Hot Dogs at 70 Van Duzer St. in Tompkinsville.  This place had a nice write-up in the Advance.

Where shall we go next?  Recommendations welcome!

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June 21, 2012 · 9:24 am

New York is extra musical today

Make Music New York is bringing live performances to public spaces throughout the five boroughs today and several locations are situated on Staten Island’s North Shore.  There’s a lunchtime concert at the New York Public Library branch in St George and evening classical music at the Port Richmond branch.  Several shows are scheduled throughout the day and evening at the Everything Goes Thrift Clothing Store in St George and at Tappen Park in Stapleton as well.  Click here for a full lineup of Staten Island events.

About Make Music New York:

Now in its sixth year, Make Music New York, “the largest music event ever to grace Gotham” (Metro New York), is a unique festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on June 21st, the first day of summer. MMNY takes place simultaneously with similar festivities in more than 460 cities around the world — a global celebration of music making.

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· 8:58 am

For sale – 163 Clinton Ave ($699,000)

Wow. If we were considerably richer and looking for a home, we would definitely be checking out 163 Clinton Ave in Randall Manor.

This house is pretty huge, at 3642 ft2 with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and an “artist’s loft” on the top floor.  I’m loving the siding, the roof line, and the corner lot, not to mention the high ceilings and multiple marble fireplaces.

There’s an absolutely charming vintage-style bathroom…

…and impressive built-ins in the library.  I’d add a window seat to that bay window.

There are several more pictures on the broker’s website.  The Randall Manor neighborhood surrounds the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden and is dense with historic architecture.  It’s a bit of a hike to the ferry, but a quick trip by bus or bike.

GMAP

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June 19, 2012 · 4:50 pm

Staten Island Yankees home opener TONIGHT!

The Baby Bombers lost 0-2 to the Brooklyn Cyclones in yesterday’s season opener in Coney Island, but we bet they’ll have more success in tonight’s rematch, which takes place on the home field.  Is there a better spot to take in a ball game (and views!) than the Richmond County Ballpark?  We think not.  The game starts at 7pm and will be followed by fireworks to kick off the season with a bang.

Click here for the full season’s schedule and ticket info: http://www.milb.com/schedule/index.jsp?sid=t586

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· 9:00 am

Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre does Julius Caesar

If you, like us, missed out on the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company’s performances on the steps of Borough Hall last weekend, you’ve still got a couple more chances to take in their all-female interpretation of Julius Caesar.

from the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre facebook page

Next weekend’s performances will take place at Historic Richmond Town. Check out their website or facebook page for details.

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