Author Topic: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread  (Read 49034 times)

Offline buddy

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #60 on: February 15, 2008, 04:06:15 PM »
So I peeked in the window today on my way to the bank.  It's going to be soooo nice.  Really happy just to see the stupid STARBUCKS sign up!

And then I went straight to Expresso 77 and bought a pound of THEIR coffee because it's better tasting and phoned my friend to tell him there was lemon poppyseed muffins (his fave) and to hurry over and buy one.

I think the neighborhood can support two fun coffee houses... I know I can.  :2funny:
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Offline intercaecos

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #61 on: February 16, 2008, 02:38:14 PM »
That sign certainly doesn't look stupid to me....in fact, it looks quite civilized.

Offline kate

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #62 on: February 16, 2008, 02:45:34 PM »
So I peeked in the window today on my way to the bank.  It's going to be soooo nice.  Really happy just to see the stupid STARBUCKS sign up!

And then I went straight to Expresso 77 and bought a pound of THEIR coffee because it's better tasting and phoned my friend to tell him there was lemon poppyseed muffins (his fave) and to hurry over and buy one.

I think the neighborhood can support two fun coffee houses... I know I can.  :2funny:

Since you sound like you're not going to be frequenting Starbucks, then I'll have your seat. I don't think they're sign is stupid, and I love the coffee. I also like the snacks/desserts. They have a great turkey sandwich that's low-cal among other things.

Offline ECG

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #63 on: February 16, 2008, 03:54:24 PM »
The sign is a sign, but it is out of compliance with the Landmarking regulations. That building isn't allowed to have signs on the brick facing. Ask the owners of Novo or Flagship about it.

Offline buddy

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #64 on: February 16, 2008, 04:41:06 PM »
Since you sound like you're not going to be frequenting Starbucks, then I'll have your seat. I don't think they're sign is stupid, and I love the coffee. I also like the snacks/desserts. They have a great turkey sandwich that's low-cal among other things.

Kate, problem with typing is words can be misinterpreted.  When I said "stupid sign", I wasn't implying I don't like it... JUST THE OPPOSITE.    It's like I never thought a sign would make so happy.  And I'm sorry to hear about the Landmarks and the brick re: the sign.  Hopefully they'll all work it out.  I love Starbuck's Chai lattes etc.  Their coffee is too strong for me which is why I'll be supporting both Express 77 and Starbucks. So, girlfriend, if you're sitting on that sofa - move over.  :2funny:
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Offline intercaecos

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #65 on: February 16, 2008, 06:05:51 PM »
I'm sorry to hear about a non-compliance issue too, because I am certainly a supporter of Starbucks. But I'll never complain about the Landmarks Commission!  Do you remember what the Queensboro Corp. Building looked like just a few years ago, when practically every square inch of it was covered with hideous signs?  Much like that poor Art Deco building a couple of blocks to the west still is.

By the way, Flagship is hardly in compliance.

Offline kate

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #66 on: February 16, 2008, 06:54:34 PM »
Kate, problem with typing is words can be misinterpreted.  When I said "stupid sign", I wasn't implying I don't like it... JUST THE OPPOSITE.    It's like I never thought a sign would make so happy.  And I'm sorry to hear about the Landmarks and the brick re: the sign.  Hopefully they'll all work it out.  I love Starbuck's Chai lattes etc.  Their coffee is too strong for me which is why I'll be supporting both Express 77 and Starbucks. So, girlfriend, if you're sitting on that sofa - move over.  :2funny:

I like the green tea latte myself.



Offline willsweeney

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #67 on: February 19, 2008, 12:43:47 PM »
Assemblyman Jose Peralta announced at a local community meeting that Starbucks will open for business on Friday, February 22nd.
There will be special pre-opening event for the public on Thursday night from 6pm-8pm featuring free 12 oz. drinks.

Offline toddg

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #68 on: February 19, 2008, 02:44:06 PM »
Sorry to belabor the sign issue, but this picture over at Eater suggests to me that perhaps this type of signage is allowed in landmark districts.

Offline Chuckster

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #69 on: February 19, 2008, 04:23:27 PM »
The following link will reveal the rules and guidelines for sign installation as they specifically pertain to the Jackson Heights Historic District.  The information may be found under the heading of "Storefronts in the Jackson Heights Historic District".  Then look under "Storefront Alterations", subsection "(4) Signage".

From skimming through the information at the LPC, it seems as if Starbucks may indeed be in violation.  With respect to the storefront sign from the Eater website, it just may be that the LPC applies a different set a rules to differing neighborhoods.  It can also just boil down to the questions of do two wrongs make a right?  Do two negatives always equal a positive, or does that only apply in Algebra?  Blah, blah, blah.... ;)

http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/rules.pdf

If you click on "Appendix A" from the Table of Contents, you will see a useful diagram of a storefront defining the terminology as used within the guidelines.
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Offline spanishfish

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #70 on: February 19, 2008, 10:46:17 PM »
From the DoB's Building Information Systems website, Starbucks did not apply for a signage permit, and they also self-certified the project (meaning the DoB did not review their plans, but it is subject to an audit at a later date, at which time they may be forced to make changes that do not comply to code).

They did receive LPC approval on 11/14/07. The approval indicates that the "FLAGSHIP" awning was never issued a permit and has been in violation since 2001. It also indicates if the owner does not fix this violation, they may be required to appear in court and pay a fine from the Environmental Control Board.

The LPC Approval also indicates that the plans that were approved for Starbucks did not address any current or future signage. I tried to attach the LPC Approval to this; hopefully it works. I did not see a separate signage permit application, but it may be in process and just not in the system yet.
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Offline ECG

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #71 on: February 19, 2008, 11:10:08 PM »
Flagship is in litigation on this. I guess Novo is screwed (pardon the language). Anyone willing to help Novo get a sign back?

Offline buddy

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #72 on: February 20, 2008, 10:20:58 PM »
So a sign on the door today said that tomorrow, Thursday, between 6pm and 8pm is a welcome neighbors to, I guess celebrate   the official opening which is this Friday.  IT'S FINALLY HERE.   :rockon: :smitten: :rockon:
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Offline ECG

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #73 on: February 20, 2008, 10:28:43 PM »
Gee, guess what I gave up for Lent!

Only joking!!!!

I'm an equal opportunity caffeineur. Would that be the word for caffeine lover?
 :)

Offline ECG

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Re: The Obligatory JH Starbucks Thread
« Reply #74 on: February 20, 2008, 10:31:22 PM »
But Wait!

A greetings to Novo's newest neighbor, then a hop over next door to have a drink! Then rent a video, get a trim - ahhh, the Heights is a Wonderful Place!!!

Do I have them in the wrong order?