You Told Us is a regular feature where we highlight comments from users in the communities DNAinfo covers.
CROWN HEIGHTS — When we told you that a new 19-bedroom, “community-driven” residence opened in the neighborhood this weekend with $1,800-a-month rooms that share bathrooms, living space and kitchens, people had a lot of feelings.
Rent at the new “co-living” space at 1162 President St. between Franklin and Bedford avenues in Crown Heights includes regular cleaning service, utilities and fully stocked and furnished rooms.
Still, the thought of living with 18 roommates — even with doors that unlock with your Apple Watch and a private room terrace — set a lot of people off.
“Sounds like on those reality shows in the making,” said user BrooklynRocks on Neighborhood Square.
Twitter user Ernie Smith had the same idea:
Take the basic idea of The Real World, drop the cameras, and let the drama rip: https://t.co/l8yw078p0S
— Ernie Smith (@ShortFormErnie) October 20, 2015
Others simply could not understand who was clamoring to get into the place; Common said in a blog post Monday that 300 people have already signed up to live there.
“Who ARE these people?” tweeted user Iliana CG.
hahah I mean, you make enough money to afford spending $1800 on an apt and you do this? Who ARE these people? https://t.co/WFVarNrYIy
— Iliana CG (@IlianaCG1) October 20, 2015
Twitter user Fred Coppersmith said that the co-living spaces has him rethinking his choice of city:
This sounds like every reason I need to move out of New York rolled into one. https://t.co/d4o7TqHlxj
— Fred Coppersmith (@unrealfred) October 20, 2015
“Brooklyn is bugging right now,” tweeted user Natasha Lightfoot.
Sure, living w 18 roommates across from a Crown Heights shelter is so worth $1800/mo. Brooklyn is bugging right now. https://t.co/snSUOh4Jdx
— Natasha Lightfoot (@njlightfoot) October 21, 2015
“Ridiculous. There are 1BRs available for that price that are closer to public transportation and not across the street from a homeless shelter,” wrote Neighborhood Square user TyGuy400.
But not everyone thought it was a terrible idea. Quite the opposite, in fact.
BuzzFeed editor Tom Gara:
My secret shame is that I think these communal living places are a great idea. https://t.co/xrm15FMOkb
— Tom Gara (@tomgara) October 20, 2015
Washington Post reporter Adam Taylor:
The saddest thing about this is that it will almost definitely end up being a success https://t.co/w0404eZ8vL
— Adam Taylor (@mradamtaylor) October 20, 2015