August 10, 2009: Vol. 32, No. 32

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August 10, 2009 / Brooklyn news / Not Just Nets / Carroll Gardens

Could this building become a McDonald’s?

By Mike McLaughlin

The Brooklyn Paper

The MTA is about to sell its much-bemoaned monolithic building on hip Smith Street — and the purchaser could be McDonald’s.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed that the agency is “in negotiations with a buyer” for its drab, gray two-story building on the corner of Wyckoff Street.

Packer Summer Day Camp

The transit authority won’t discuss the identity of the potential purchaser, but neighborhood gossip is centering on the possibility that — gasp! — a national fast food restaurant like McDonald’s will make an unexpected addition to Brooklyn’s Restaurant Row.

That said, people are eager for a new owner to remake the corner lot, especially if the windowless building is torn down.

“The building is an eyesore and a lost opportunity,” said Jeff Strabone, the former president of the Cobble Hill Association.

The MTA put the property on the market last March. It acquired the building more than 10 years ago and used it as a base during repairs of the F and G lines, which lie beneath Smith Street.

McDonald’s spokeswoman Zoe Hamburger — yes, that is her name (and she’s heard all the jokes, people) — did not return repeated calls for comment.

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Reader Feedback

Chris from Boerum Hill says:

1. It is not simply "drab". It's a wall of cinder blocks. I imagine the Berlin wall had more character. Heil MTA!

2. I'm not sure how the MTA acquired the building more than ten years ago when the Rent-A-Center, which occupied the storefront, was there until 2003. It was not until 2003 that the building was converted into "the bunker". Mein Himmel!

3. If it goes McD, no white people will go in there. Just like the IHOP. As a result, I am for this 110%, if such a thing were mathematically possible. Sorry, no lame German expression here. Someone took them all ... Ho-gan!

4. I'd be remiss if I failed to say that what we really need on that corner is some kind of Asian fusion restaurant.

Aug. 10, 2009, 10:03 pm

Frank from Downtown says:

Exactly what's wrong with a McDonald's?

Aug. 11, 2009, 3:19 pm

Easy E from boerum says:

WTF....
You mean tell us my dog will have to find a new building to piss on?
Someone will really clean up and stop dumping trash on the Wyckoff wall? Or even shovel the sidewalk a snowy day?

SHAME ON YOU MTA.

It's about time you're out.
Will believe when we see it.

Aug. 11, 2009, 3:46 pm

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