You know the drill: you ask the questions and give the answers and then we love you. The questions below were submitted by actual readers. If you've got an answer, another development question, or a sweet, sweet digital photograph, drop a line to tips@curbed.com?or drop a note in the comments below.
1) Lower East Side: A reader writes, "As I was walking to work this morning, I noticed that the municipal parking lot south of Delancey between Essex and Ludlow was completely empty and its pavement torn up (above). Is this an omen of grand things to come ( i.e. ugly, 20-storey-high, luxury eye sores) or just regular city maintenance?"
2) Williamsburg: "i am curious what is afoot along the lots fronting union avenue & ainslie street in williamsburg. some of the lots were vacant, others have recently undergone demolition in the last week or two. poking around propertyshark, it seems a bevvy of lots have been snapped up for $6.4 million (57-65-77 ainslie & 411-413-417-419 union avenue). basically it's the whole block, except for the getty station. zoning is for an mixed (i think) M-8 'special district'... it was rezoned 3/1/06, shortly before all the lots were purchased. lorimer is only the 2nd L stop into williamsburg - could we maybe be seeing another wave of development further into the neighborhood?" We'll cross our fingers if you will.
3) Carroll Gardens: "Just noticed yesterday in Carroll Gardens that about 4 buildings (from 67 Butler to about 212 Smith Street) have been torn down. Does anyone know anything about this? There's no signs of any transfers on Acris. The lots in question have low FAR (2.43) and they abut a public school to the rear. It's definitely prime prime Carroll Gardens though."
4) East Village: Finally, less a rumblings than a disturbing sighting. "I live just north of Houston on 2nd Ave. Just wondering if anyone knows why the building on the Southwest corner has a flashing light (blue/white/red, blue/white/red) light every night coming from the top floor apartment. I can see it from my window and not sure if its an apartment or the building management."