Forecast cloudy for Atlantic Yards

Much of Atlantic Yards is at best delayed says developer Bruce Ratner in an interview with the New York Times. That article and another that discusses what the delay will mean to the proposed Nets’ stadium raises the possibility that the site may never see affordable housing. The housing was the big selling point to city officials, especially those representing the abutting neighborhoods.

Go 4th and prosper?

According to the New York Sun, the condo boom on 4^th Avenue is being helped by Park Slopers buying up the new units. The result could make a 1.4-mile section of the avenue the most densely populated area in the borough.

What’s been sold and how much?

Everyblock now reports recent real estate sales as recorded by the city’s Department of Finance. The data are updated once a month. You can search by sale date, neighborhood, borough, ZIP Code, building class category, year built or building class.

‘Sky parking’ comes down to earth

A Chelsea condo project that promised “sky parking” has run into structural problems. The perk was to deliver owners and their cars right to their front doors (on whatever floor). Now the city has a stop-work order on the site at 200 11^th Ave. after finding “questionable construction practices.” See the full story.

Local ‘Wades’ in on Oscar win

Park Slope Oscar winner Cynthia Wade had her local moment in the sun last week with a profile in the New York Times. It’s amusing and humanizing and you can read it here.

Redhook firefighters keep on hooking

Engine 279/Ladder 131 in Red Hook still sport their logo, the Happy Hookers, even though the Fire Department has ordered the name be changed. The department cracked down on suggestive and alcohol-related nicknames after a series of embarrassing, booze-fueled incidents. See the full story in the Daily News.

Tall prospect for eastern edge of park

Prospect Park is about to get another glass tower overlooking it. Park Tower, a 23-story luxury condo tower on Lincoln Road is due to be finished in 2009. The 88,000-square-foot-building, with an interesting skew in its upper floors, will also include retail on its first floor. You can see what it looks like in the Daily News. The Prospect-Lefferts Gardens neighborhood didn’t get as much bounce from the recent real estate boom as other areas. This project could make a difference.

Woes be gone for home owner Keillor

Garrison Keillor, the amiable host of NPR’s “Prairie Home Companion,” has put his above-average home up for sale. The seven-bedroom, Georgian style house is in St. Paul and priced at $1.65 million. His departure drives a stake in the heart of a dispute with his next-door neighbor. You can read the full story on the New York Times site.