New York Shitty Street Seating du Jour: McGuinness Boulevard

November 1, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Street Furniture 

Taken November 1, 2011.

From The New York Shitty Inbox: A McGuinness Boulevard Mystery

October 31, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

A lady named Laura (who took the above photographs) writes:

Hi Heather!
I’ve been noticing that the metal plates near each of the fire hydrants along McGuiness Blvd. are disappearing. Between Greenpoint Ave and Dupont St. alone, there are five of them missing on the West side of  the boulevard. I’ll bet they’re being taken to be sold as scrap metal. Some of the property owners seem to putting in wooden replacements. There’s more missing on the East side of the boulevard. What’s next, the hydrants?
I cannot honestly say I have seen this. However, suspecting these items were sold for scrap metal is not as far-fetched as it may seem: at a recent 94th Precinct Community Council meeting it was noted by some fellow Greenpointers that the caps from fire hydrants on Monitor Street were disappearing. It was concluded these were probably procured and sold as scrap by some of our more, how should we say, entrepreneurial citizens. Thoughts/theories, anyone?

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Boots

Taken October 9, 2011.

From The New York Shitty Inbox: Another Hit & Run On McGuinness Boulevard?

October 5, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

That’s the word I received during this evening’s Community Board meeting (footage from which will be posted here soon— so check back). I have no word on whether the man struck was a pedestrian or bicyclist. At this time all I know is an accident came to pass this evening at around 6:45 p.m., a man was hit at the intersection of Norman Avenue; and taken away in an ambulance. If/when I get more details about this horrible (and I suspect: preventable) turn of events I will post them here. Otherwise, if anyone has the 411 on what happened please share via comments or email at: missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com. Thanks— and stay safe, folks!

UPDATE, 11:25 p.m.: Here’s the 411 from the head of the 94th Precinct himself, Deputy Inspector Hurson!

I noticed you mentioned a pedestrian accident tonight on McGuinness, at this time we don’t know what happened. A man was found bleeding from the head on the corner of Norman and McGuiness. We are waiting to interview him at the hospital. Although we recognized him as one of the local drunks…

TODAY: …we now believe the victim from yesterday fell and injured his head.

Another tipster (who wishes to remain anonymous) writes:

hey heather – not sure my email of details will change much, but I was walking home from the train at about 6:30/45 and saw the man lying on the ground, so I called 911. then I scurried home and back to be sure they got him in an ambulance. I didn’t see a car hit him, but he was on the sidewalk on his back on the northwest corner of norman and mcguinness with his hands sort of stuck up in the air like he thought something was gonna strike him or he was dizzy. I thought he was one of the local drunks, but I also thought he might be somebody’s dad so I called 911 to be sure he would get some help. hope to read that he’s ok! would prefer to remain anonymous if you were to publish any of this. thanks

So there have you.

From The Community Board 1 Public Safety Committee Meeting: What’s Up With WASCO?

I have received a number of emails voicing concern about what it going to happen to one of Greenpoint’s (and McGuinness Boulevard’s) preeminent features: The WASCO Auto Shop. I have some very good news: last night a liquor license application for an “eating and drinking establishment” was approved for this property.

During the proceedings the applicant, a twenty year Greenpoint resident, assured everyone that 139 Nassau Avenue’s signature feature, “WASCOmobile” (which has been identified as a Chevy Nova*), would be kept! In addition, the garage doors looking upon McGuinness Boulevard— the Champs-Élysées of north Brooklyn— will be converted into large bay windows for patrons’ dining pleasure. This was the source of considerable amusement to a number of gentleman on the panel— one of whom noted that all McGuinness Boulevard has in the way of ambiance are “roaring semis”. But hey, as long as everyone keeps their hands and feet inside at all times things should be just fine— right?

*This has been disputed. A chap we’ll call “J” writes:

actually, I think its a Chevy II 100, the cheaper model, but aside from less chrome trim and insulation, its the same thing as a Nova. Before it got painted Greenpoint Beige, it was its original Fawn Tan. Yes, I’m a car geek.

Thoughts, anyone?

LAST GASP: A Hold-Up At Dunkin Donuts?

September 26, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

This item comes courtesy of an anonymous tipster who opines: “I guess they mean the 25th?”

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection with an armed Robbery that occurred within the confines of the 94 Precinct. Details are as follows:

On Sunday, September 29, 2011 at approximately 0015 hours an unknown suspect entered the Dunkin’ Donuts located at 356 McGuinness Boulevard, approached a worker at the register and demanded cash while displaying a silver firearm. The suspect fired the gun once, striking a shelf behind the counter. The suspect then fled the store, with an undetermined amount of cash, northbound on McGuinness Boulevard. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a male, Black or Hispanic, approximately 20 to 25 years old, 5′ 10″ to 6’02”, medium build, wearing a Yankees baseball cap, a button-down shirt with red, black and white stripes, dark jeans and black sneakers.

A photo of the suspect is attached.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: McGuinness Boulevard

September 24, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

Taken September 24, 2011.

New York Shitty Photo du Jour: McGuinness Boulevard

August 9, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

Taken August 9, 2011.

Miss Heather

From The Greenpoint Grapevive: A(nother) Robbery On Nassau Avenue?

I learned from a tipster this morning that another robbery has come to pass on Nassau Avenue this morning at 2:00 a.m.. This time at the Mini Mart Deli & Grocery at the southeastern corner of McGuinness Boulevard and Nassau Avenue (as seen above). I decided to swing by and ask what happened. The very nice lady behind the counter confirmed that a robbery did indeed come to pass between “2:00 and 3:00 in the morning” and that two men were involved. No word about whether or not guns were involved. The most important thing is no one got hurt. Otherwise: YIKES!

Miss Heather

New York Shitty Photos du Jour: 404 McGuinness, Revisited

Ever since I first spied this wonderful mural just over a week ago I simply could not get it out of my mind. Finally the obvious came to me:

Why not ask my buddy, Anthony Scalise*, the Manager of McGuinness Brake Service (where this piece is located) and all-around sweetheart if I could swing by and see it up close and personal?

I am pleased to announce that he not only said I was welcome to come by anytime but today I got access to the roof and have some seriously wonder photographs to show for it! Without further ado here they are:

You can learn more about the artists responsible for this lovely creation (Cern and Jaz) by checking out this post on The Street Spot! Otherwise you can (and should) view these images in larger format by clicking here.

Miss Heather

*This man is an absolute doll. Really.

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