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At the Top WithNew StabilityighborhoodBeating CityAnonymity inCarroll GardensBY PETER AND JILL HOFTYZERWe were attracted to Carroll Gardens for a variety of reasons, some of which are common to most brownstoners%u2014the ease of commuting, the large amount of space received for a reasonable investment, the structural sturdiness of row houses and the challenge of creating a modem townhouse while respecting several features of Carroll Gardens that make it unique and determined our choice.Many of the streets have deep front gardens; ours is 25 feet deep and on some blocks they are 33 feet in length. These deep gardens together with the fact that no building is higher than five stories create an atmosphere of sunlight and space and a %u201c human scale%u201d that fosters neighborliness.Soon after moving into our house we became aware of the great pride most of the residents take in their neighborhood. It is a regular occurrence to meet neighbors out sweeping and hosing the sidewalkC o n t in u a l o n P a p e 35Clinton Hill:not looked at. I pleaded withto try just one more time,mutate we walked into %u201cOur%u201d we both knew satutame-B and tennison the Parade Grounds. BAM isalmost on our doorstep, the cultureof Manhattan a short subway rideaway.Stained-glass windows, oakpaneling, architectural flourishes.And inside our homes, a feeling ofspace and luxury. Once, only captains of industry lived this way. Now, my middle-class family does. In Prospect Park South, an island ofelegance in the green heart of Brooklyn.O cto b er 1 2 ,1 9 7 8 , THE PHOENIX, P a g e 25