Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
Crosstown Local Photos du Jour: Jilly Ballistic
Filed under: 11222, Crosstown Local, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Street Art
From the Queens-bound platform at Greenpoint Avenue.
New York Shitty Street Art du Jour: Laugh Now…
Filed under: 10002, Lower East Side, Lower East Side Manhattan, Street Art, Stuff That Makes Miss Heather Happy
From Freeman Alley.
New York Shitty Photos du Jour: Manhattan Avenue Kayak Launch
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Newtown Creek
Taken November 4, 2011.
New York Shitty Manhole Watch: 11/04/2011
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
You know what they say: everyone needs a hobby. The epidemic of manhole plundering in my fair burgh has become mine. This phenomenon– and the commentary/observations I have received about it— have summoned my inner “Nancy Drew”. Today she and I went out to play. However, we had a plan. It was as follows:
1. Having received a tip that Commercial Street has been divested of its street/sidewalk covers, it would be on the itinerary.
2. Having observed that these thefts appear to be centered in north Greenpoint, a more thorough exploration of this area would be made.
3. Noting that thefts seem to be happening in relatively secluded areas, a trek down West Street was in order.
Follows are my findings. Enjoy!
65 Commercial Street (in front of the Access-A-Ride parking lot)
Commercial Street at Clay Street
Dupont Street, across Barge Park Playground
West Street, between Freeman and Green Street
Java Street at West Street
A triple header!
West At Calyer Street
Total number of manholes plundered: 8.
Thoughts/observations:
1. All in all, it was a pretty a disappointing foray (making Juan ‘s acquaintance aside, of course). However—
2. I did notice that the recent paving and milling on Commercial Street (an example of which can be seen to the left) might actually help prevent theft of these covers. If they cannot be seen, they cannot be stolen!
3. Similarly, the rather shoddy condition of West Street has also precluded cover theft. Most were so covered with ages old asphalt they were rendered a like so many flies in amber. Fossils. My prognostication is as follows: when West Street gets its purported makeover (and presuming these covers are refurbished in the process) we’ll see more thefts there.
4. I failed to account for the area covered being a rather popular area for parking. Thus is it very likely I missed a few missing covers. Conclusion: another sortee is in order. Preferably on a weekend.
5. While not a street/sidewalk cover per se I do have to wonder if this item from Eagle Street (as seen to the right) was commandeered for scrap.
6. I simply cannot keep on top of all these manholes by myself. Thus I implore you, gentle readers, to photograph any missing street/sidewalk covers you may encounter and email them to me at: missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com. Be sure to note the location in the subject line.
Let us leave no manhole behind, North Brooklynites!
The Word On The Street: Special Bloomblight Edition
Filed under: 11222, Bloomblight, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, The Word On The Street
As is frequently the case, the story behind taking the above photo is as interesting— probably more so— than the image itself. Thus I will share it here and now. Enjoy!
Shortly after noting this rather piquant observation a man from a car called out to me. I could not make out what he was saying, so I walked over.
Are you shooting this for magazine?
He inquired. To wit I answered:
In a manner of speaking, yes. I am going to post it on my web site.
This construction fence appears to have become an evolving art-installation”, I added, “and this is probably the only thing this site has going for it. I’d wager if you looked behind that fence you’d be up to your ears in rats.
I opined. My new friend concurred, stepped out of his car (so as to better view said art— liking it, he took a photograph), and introduced himself. His name was Juan and as serendipity would have it, he happens to work for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. He was sent to this piece of Bloomblight (my terminology, not his) because they have received complaints about rats. I assured him any and all complaints were quite well-founded. Then a third party joined our party: a chap driving a rather large sport utility vehicle.
Do you know of a hotel around here?
he asked.
Which one?
I replied.
There is more than one hotel here?
He asked incredulously.
Of course there is! Didn’t you know (pointing at the Pulaski Bridge) that THIS is the new Gold Coast?
My new friend looked at me like I am insane. This may very well be true— but so is the fact that North ‘Point is home to no less than two hotels (albeit targeting vastly different demographics). Nonetheless, I felt compelled to clarify anyway:
That was sarcasm. I’m guessing you mean our new luxury hotel. (pointing to 77 Box Street) This can be found right over there.
Are you serious?
He sputtered.
Most assuredly. If you look to left of the front door you will find a sign reading “Box House Hotel“.
At this point he is once again speechless, so I continued:
The hotel proper is located on top of said building. It has some rather stunning views of the Pulaski Bridge.
Having regained his composure, he thanked me and went on his way. I turned to Juan and said:
People used to reside in those apartments above 77 Box Street. Then the landlord raised the rent, got them out and opened a “hotel”. I shit you not their penthouse “suite” goes for $5,000 a month.
At this point it was Juan’s turn to be incredulous and time for me to go on my merry way. Approximately 30 minutes later I bumped into Juan again on West Street.
Still on rat patrol?
I inquired. Juan answered to the affirmative and added he was checking all the abandoned/stalled construction sites on this thoroughfare for evidence of rats. I commented that there was plenty to give him busy on here. We proceeded to review various sites and compare their varying states of decay/neglect. Upon the conclusion of this discussion I told Juan (once again) it was pleasure meeting him and “good luck”. And with a smile, he drove to his next “assignment”.
It just goes to show that Bloomberg and his grand scheme for this city has, in fact, resulted in job creation.
For individuals whose specialty is inspecting derelict construction sites for detritus and rats, that is.
This one’s for you, Juan. You are an absolute prince. Keep up the good work!
Greenpoint Photos du Jour: A Huron Street PSA
Filed under: 11222, Bloomblight, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, The Word On The Street
Taken November 4, 2011.
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