If I had a hammer (and a brush) . . .

Okay, so we've had a few cleaner suggestions and a bunch of restaurant ideas. Please keep 'em coming. Now we would like to hear about carpenters and painters. Let us know you who you recommend and their specialties (large jobs, small jobs, cabinetry, etc.) What were the ups and downs of different jobs? As always, thanks for your input and keep the comments coming!

Bear in mind: This blog is not responsible for the work done by recommended workers and any workers working in the building need to have their own liability insurance.

Click here for more images of the new basement floor.

The Chow Question

photos: Adam Hurwitz

What are your favorite local joints for dinner, lunch, takeout, brunch, late night snacks, street pizza?

What are the worst neighborhood restaurants? Where did the takeout with the unwelcome six legged guest come from? Which places almost killed you?


We want to know.

What's going on in the basement of 223?

[Update: The floors are done and access to the basement at 223 has been restored. The new washers will be installed on Thursday and, God willing, should be ready to go on Friday. The new smart-card machines will accept $5, $10, and $20 bills. Cards will be available through the management office (2N). The first one is free and additional cards are available at cost for $5. Machines will operate at $1 per load. ]

As you may have surmised from the racket emanating from the basement in 223, (and the memo slipped under your door) the leprotic concrete floor is being renovated.

The good news is that the over-hall presented a good opportunity to swap out the two stalwart coin-operated laundry machines with three modern front-loading washers and dryers (with smart card technology). The bad news is that, until March 20th, we laundry procrastinators in 223 will have to trudge over to the laundry room of 231 to do our washing.

In addition, from March 10th to the 14th, the garbage chute and basement doors will be locked so trash will disposed of in covered garbage cans placed under the stairs in the lobby.

Brace yourselves, 231! You're next!

Looking for a cleaner?

I have often been tempted to have someone come in and clean my apartment on a regular basis. If I ever overcome my control issues and my tightfisted nature, I will act on the temptation. In the mean time, if anyone does use a regular cleaning service and feels confident enough to recommend them, please supply the following information:

• how often they come to clean
• what they do.
• how much you pay them
• how they were referred to you
• contact information

This post (like all other recommendation posts) will be constantly updated and will have a permanent link on the sidebar.

Bear in mind: failure to pay social security taxes for house cleaners has sunk many potential political appointments. Be on the safe side!

Thanks!

Adam