Plaza 21

Brand new construction. Some apartments in contract already.
Nice spaces, nice finishes, fair construction, sprinklers, SS appliances (no washer/dryer but the space); AA/Heating pack units.
No amenities, you can purchase parking.
Looks interesting, somewhat pricey but as new construction, it could be good. The Area is really nice, safe and peaceful.
You should pay a visit, they can show you several apartments.

Anybody dealing for an apartment in this building?
I’ve search in Astoria and looks to be a nice choice.

Yes, I live near by. It looks like it's trying to compete with other condos in the area but the location is far from the train.

748- is this a doorman/elevator building? Does anyone know the amenities?

I'm at the opposite side of the train, same distance as Plaza 21. It's a nice walk, half a mile to me precise.

I checked other condos in the area, mostly towards 30th Ave (there’s nothing near Ditmars) and some at 21th St (but too noisy and problematic). Plaza 21 is in the “expensive” side, but the space is nicer IMO.

It has elevator but no doorman; there’s a chance they will install the Virtual Doorman but it will depend on the buyers and it will increase the common charges.

What other buildings do you think are good to check around the Area? I saw the Astoria, Pistilli… but nothing near Ditmars in a tranquil street.

nobody else checking this one out?
I'm afraid to step up. I could get a mortgage, but it requires 50% sold... they claim to have 11 units in contract; but I need 18 to have a solid "go". Then again, they do not have the certificate of occupancy yet...

The Cert. of Occupancy went through this past Monday, 7/19/10. It's been a long wait, but I can't wait to move in!! (It's at 51% sold)

Can you confirm the % in contract?
I know there are 17 in contract, but not yet the 50%

I knew about the CO already. Thanks.

by the way... Are you using Jumbo too?
I think we will be moving in September... from now, there are a lot to do yet. They have to finish the basement, then start the revision of apartments, punch list... then closing... I'd love to move, but I don't think we will do it very soon....

As of 7/27/10 the developer told me they are at 17 signed contracts at the building with another 4 contracts out. The building has 36 total units; my mortgage company is requiring 51% to close, getting so close!

I just had to look up what a Jumbo mortgage was. No, I'm doing a traditional 30yr fixed; that are at all-time historic lows (under 5%).

You are doing “conventional” since you require 51%. FHA requires only 35%.
In conventional mortgages the limit is $417K to get the best available rate, if the mortgage goes beyond that amount, then it is called “jumbo” and the rates are slightly higher (about 0.25% more).

I am in the verge between FHA and Jumbo, meaning, that it makes almost the same using either of them. I took the route of Jumbo because I do not have to pay the insurance and I can disregard the PMI once I hit 20% ownership, while in FHA they charge you a minimum of 5 year PMI regardless of ownership amount.

ah, yes, I'm doing a conventional...as far as I know I don't have to get PMI. But it sounds like you studied these far more than I did, ah, so much to keep track of!

In anybody else in contract at this building?

are the apartments next door and surrounding the building low-income?
The stores on the block have bullet proof glass and/or pretty thread-bare, not selling anything premium.

I wonder if it truly is a "safe" block to live on.

What can I say?
There are already people in the building, there are many more waiting to close.
I've been in the area at afternoon, evening, night, late night, past midnight, 2 am and 3 am and I've seen nothing; it is desolated but I don't believe it's dangerous.

I don't believe the surrounding buildings are low-income; but take in consideration the building is 3 blocks from Astoria Park, a public space that most likely attract the wrong crowd by night.

Regardless what I, or anybody else say; if you don't feel safe, that feeling should be a red flag for you. It would be terrible to live in s place you don't feel comfortable.

Check out how many people walk from the train to that direction; that makes me think it shall be safe. I prefer to walk at Ditmars and turn at 24th St rather than 23rd or even walk 21st Ave, but that may be just my level of comfort.

I agree with 748...I totally feel safe in that area - we currently live just two blocks away.

If walking home from the N train, I would prefer to go down Ditmars Blvd rather than 21st Ave - just more foot traffic and late-night businesses open. But that's basic city common sense. And then turn up 24th St. and you're right there!

I, too, have been there later at night and not seen anything. There are often neighborhood kids (read, teens) hanging around the general businesses of 21st St and 21st Ave., but they have never bothered me.

I'm a Greek-American Astorian born and bread during the 80's and 90's when most of New York City was a war zone, I can say with the utmost confidence that Astoria is one of the more safer places to live and I wouldn't worry too much about it..