And from what I heard, a few weeks ago Donnelly was instrumental in the arrest of several drug dealers on Bergen Ave and Reed Street where Donnelly now has campaign office (in the Basilico). Over the summer the dealers had been very visible on both sides of the street. There was security camera footage but nothing was being done. Really ridiculous, as given what happened on Reed sreet the place should have been cleaned out and have memorial garden or something.

I heard that a few calls from Donnelly and there was a bust and it will stick because they were found in possession of drugs.

I haven't seen any press on it though. Anybody else heard about this?

I also wonder if I made a mistake. I signed up for IDT this week over the telephone. They "promised" a savings of 7 % on the supply portion, but then their on-phone verification states that rates fluctuate and could actually be larger than other suppliers on any given month. The next day I got a cold-call from Palmco and they had some other sort of savings and similar spiel. I asked if there was any site that had table of actual rates charged by all these suppliers so consumer could compare. No. And on web there is bunch of misinformation and scam accusations and now I'm hoping there is no cancellation fee because I want to cancel the switch. I would love cheaper rate as my winter gas heating bill on 3 story house is 900 a month. Has it been working for anyone?

My tenants (in 2-family, with owner occupying) informed me they will be filing for bankruptcy but intend to catch up on their rent. I have been very understanding of the tough times they are going through but for several months have only been getting partial payments and they have been consistently a month and a half behind. Would rather work with them as there are lots of vacancies in area and took 8 months (3 agents) to find these tenants (on craigslist) who are nice even if financially irresponsible. I want to believe that they will get back on their feet and be good longterm tenants. Don't want headache of eviction but need to cover myself.

The lease is up in May. I believe they will want to renew and so they should want to do right by me. They are using legal aid lawyer. In worse case will they be able to discharge any back rent and still live in my house? or will the court make them work out any back and current rent payments if they want to stay? It does worry me that it came to light that they stiffed their last landlord where they had a commercial space. I am not a big landlord, just and ordinary homeowner with my own debts and this situation is stressful but eviction and vacancy may be worse and finding good tenant in this area of jc has proved difficult.

Any advice/experience with bankrupt tenants appreciated.

Thanks for the suggestions (except for Hudson Horizons--your parents and teachers, sweetie, failed you somehow since you get kicks out of bullying here). I did look into Ethical Community and it is only for incoming kindergarten and 1st graders, not older children. I was hoping St Aloysius would improve as some other catholic schools are closing and it is becoming an "academy". But as it is they are understaffed. The first graders are supposed to have Spanish once a week and have only had it 3 times this year. I had heard that there is possibility to demand school choice so I am going to try to do that as I can no longer afford even this modest tuition but cannot qualify for any aid.

I moved to McKinley Square area over the summer and my assigned elementary school is No. 17 on Bergen Avenue. I was not sure how rough the kids were there and anyway they did not have enough places for the first graders so I put my daughter in St Aloysius on West Side as a relatively inexpensive alternative. I find it is safe and small environment but not that rigorous. With the economy as it is, and my absolutely stunning parlor floor apartment without a tenant (please come see--shameless plug) I want to find an excellent public school for next year, second grade. I have heard that No. 1 and martin Luther King are good--true? Can anyone tell me how I can go about this. The individual schools do not seem to give tours or accept applications and I probably missed the lottery for charter schools. Any advice?

My family has been living on Bergen Avenue between Jewett and Fairview since the summer and I have adjusted and have never had a problem. I make use of public transportation and I am a slim blond. I find that people hanging out on Bergen are polite and not as hostile as in Brooklyn or Bronx towards people they may view as gentrifyers. This is more quiet than Hell's Kitchen where I used to live.
Please do not scare people off from living in this neighborhood. I held an viewing for my absolutely stunning and recession-busting priced parlor floor 2 bedroom and no one showed up! And my house is a palace compared to the nyc 15x18 box I lived in at the same price. Someone could be enjoying the brazilian cherry and granite floors, french and pocket doors, tin ceiling, marble bath. Forget about Paulus Hook --this may be rough outside but luxury interior. Calling all pioneers--come and rent my parlor floor. Webmaster please let me do some shameless advertising. I need a break.