HELP from my New York brothers

[faganking]

I need help from my New York brothers!
I have lived in the same apartment in NYC for the past sixteen years. It’s in a luxury doorman building on Lexington Ave. & 26th Street. The apartment is a 700 sq.ft. studio with half of the room being 400 sq.ft. and has 9’6" ceilings. I have successfully recorded everything from live drums to ‘The Uptown Horns’ without so much as a knock on the door. Now….we don’t do that at night, etc. But…I have gotten away with murder for years. That is about to end. It’s a very convoluted story but, I have to move. They are not renewing my lease.
For those of you who live in Manhattan you know how particularly devastating this can be. I’m now paying $1,300.00 a month. They will put in a new kitchen and parquet floor and charge (and get) around $2,500.00 a month. There is no way I can replicate this situation in Manhattan. [comparable apts. are $3K a month & I could never make noise]. I have looked at a few lofts in Brooklyn. Although they are big and spacious, they simply have sheet rock walls. Forget about me making noise. I’ll hear my neighbors T.V.!

I have lived in Manhattan for 23 years and I love it. I am reaching out to one and all. A lifetime of being a musician has shown me what an amazing community we are. How, when we network, we can accomplish anything. You never know who knows who knows who! I believe in taking life by the horns and winning. I know I can come out of this with a great new story; "Did you hear about Benjy? He had to move, and found this amazing….." So….I’m reaching out. Any and all suggestions will be so appreciated. Got an uncle that’s the biggest real estate guy in NYC? Know of a studio that’s relocating to larger digs? Etc., etc.

Sincerely,
Benjy King
212.684.1172
http://

P.S. I’m going to post this everywhere. I hope you all don’t mind.

 

[audiowkstation]

It amazes me that Manhatten has gotten so expensive.

I see SEAR is selling his studio. It is a steal at 1.8mil.

Is their anything upstate about 20 miles north west that you could get into?

I wish you well but maybe you can run into someone with a warehouse apartment that happens to be a musician. Split the cost. Those can be had for 3K a month and then you would be a 1500.

Just a thought. My Niece is in Manhatten and her 1240 sq foot is 3100 a month and she splits it 3 ways. She does have the other two roomates on long contracts. The warehouse situation, you could jam though.

I am sure you looked at that angle but if now...worth a shot.

 

[Gold]

I know there are some good industrial spaces in Sunset Park Brooklyn. They are cheap but it certainly isn't 26th & Lex. Brooklyn Phono, the record pressing plant /mastering studio is there and there is another studio on the same block. I could ask around if you don't mind the boonies. I had a friend who lived in your building a while ago and I like all the shiny stuff at the medical supply store down the block.

 

[faganking]

HA! That's funny you should mention the surgical supply store. Given how much we like *stuff*...looking in the window of that shop makes you think, "What is that? Do I need one?" Really cool looking $*^t.

I've got to be open to all things, including the boonies. If you can find out about the Sunset Park thing I would appreciate it. Also, you can call me.

Thanks.
Benjy

 

[Gold]

I just had another idea. Have you tried Washington Heights/Inwood? The apartment buildings there are good prewar thick walled apartments. If your not tracking drums at 3:00am it might be okay. A lot of classical and jazz people live up there.

 

[faganking]

Ahhh....this feels so great.

Crispin Cioe from the Uptown Horns suggested that very thing, and concurred regarding the classical/jazz people up there. I will look. I must say that what I've seen in Brooklyn (Williamsburg, etc.) is a joke. Real $*^t holes. I also spoke with a guy who lives just over the Willis Ave. Bridge (the tippy bottom of the south bronx). He has a 3,000 sq. ft. loft and says a couple of hip-hop guys have opened studios there. This is so foreign to me. Although I've lived here for 23 years, I have lived...here, in Manhattan. I travel a LOT. All over the world. But...I've never been to the Bronx, except if I was in a rental car and took a wrong turn(HA).
I'm told Inwood is pretty cool.
Thanks SO much for the thoughts and support.

Sincerely,
Benjy

 

[Sound Diagnosis]

Hey there, Benjy. My wife used to live in Washington Heights many, many years ago. The neighborhood turned into a shithole through the 70'-90's, but the past few years have seen a major renaissance. The previous suggestion of investigating this area may be worthwhile. Of note, I was born and raised in Forest Hills and had lived there for 38 years....in the SAME apartment. Very THICK poured concrete walls, pre-war deal. Needless to say, the rent control was most helpful on the wallet. A 2 bedroom apt. would run probably from 1K-1.6K. 1/2 hour train ride to the city. I really feel for you, man. The city is so friggin' cost prohibitive, but as an artist, I can understand your need to be close to the city. I wish I knew some real estate folks. When I finish this message, I will phone my brother-in-law and see if he knows any real (istic) -estate folks that can offer some assistance. He lives in the Apple. If I were you, I would buy a house in the burbs, dude. You need your (more) space. You also need the freedom to do WHAT you want to do, WHEN you want to do it. Just my take on your situation. Don't mind me. I'll let you know what gives either way. Best of luck and keep us all apprised of your progress. ~~Lee

 

[faganking]

Thanks Lee.
I've had a great run in New York. Four years ago I was only paying $765.00 for this place. When I signed the lease it was $436.00. It's still well under market value. That's why they want it. But, it's time for me to move on. I'm a little too nested in here. I've been through two wives and a lot of life here. Time for a fresh start. Plus, as great as it is, I've outgrown it. I now have a Sony DMX-R100 console, Hammond organ, etc. in here. It's a little much. I have made plans to see some things in Jersey City. I saw a great place in south Harlem yesterday, but not quite right. I need to find a few 'mom & pop' type realtors in these areas.

As you said...it's time for me to not have to think about this kind of $*^t. Life's hard enough.
As a dear friend said to me a few years ago regarding Manhattan. "Get over it!"

If you like you can call and leave the info or e-mail me as well. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Benjy

 

[Sound Diagnosis]

Benjy, I should get back to you by tomorrow. Don't count on any one source though, I am sure you know of this phenomenon! :w: Manana, dude. ~~~Lee

 

[Sound Diagnosis]

Sorry, Benj. No luck with the ole' brother-in-law, but I will keep my eyes ô¿ô and ears ....OPEN! Best of luck. ~~Lee

 

[Bob Olhsson]

We had to bail on San Francisco two years ago for the same reason. I made the move after I realized that my clients couldn't afford to live there any more even if I could work something out.