buying an apt on ocean ave in PLG

I'm thinking of buying an apartment on Ocean Ave by the corner w/ Parkside. Does anyone have any advice or comments about the neighborhood, upsides, downsides, prospects for property values, amenities, etc? I have a 9 year old son, also, and expect to stay in this apt until he's in college if I can. All advice appreciated! Thanks in advance, John

Great because you're right near the park. Not so great because the traffic is crazy and if you own a car you'll never be able to find street parking. Also, around the corner on Parkside and St. Paul's it appears that they're fixing up the old Caledonia Hospital, maybe making apartments there. The building has been vacant quite a while.

IIRC there's no parking on Ocean Avenue southbound from 4--7 PM and northbound from 7--10 AM. Parking is easier on the east side of Flatbush Avenue.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704123204576283002720819770.html?mod=rss_newyork_real_estate100 Parkside is finally being completed. See WSJ article.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704123204576283002720819770.html?mod=rss_newyork_real_estate

FYI, this board is really not that plugged into PLG activities, unfortunatly. There is a Lefferts Garden yahoo group that is more active.