Greenpoint houses (Victor, Franklin: how much, neighborhoods, living in)

[r small]

Maybe someone who really knows Greenpoint can answer this. Alot of the houses in the neighborhood look like they're made out of wood. But looking a little closer and I'm thinking maybe it's some kind of siding (aluminum?). Anyone know what this stuff is? A good example of what I'm talking about are some of the houses on India St. between Manhattan Ave. and Franklin St.

[BinxBolling]

They're brick, later covered with vinyl or aluminum siding.

[r small]

Thanks. That's interesting. So is this type of siding Brooklyn's version of Baltimore's infamous formstone? I assume the siding can be removed and the houses restored to their original appearance.

[BinxBolling]

Probably. I have no idea how much work or expense that would entail. I think the houses were mostly modest to begin with, we're not talking Victorian brownstones.

Are you thinking of living in Greenpoint?

[r small]

Greenpoint is one of several neighborhoods in Brooklyn and the Bronx that I think would be an interesting place to live. I currently live in the DC area. By the way, the formstone fronts on Baltimore's row houses can apparently be easily removed, and this has been going on for some time now. Some people worry that with the gentrification that's going on the formstone will completely disappear and with it a good part of Baltimore's history and culture. The stuff is ugly as sin though. Brick is much nicer looking.