Urban Artifact, Part II: Special Feels Like Fall Edition

November 3, 2014 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Urban Artifact, Wow, WTF 

Autumn ColorsNYS

Today I had a craving for Mexican food. Well, not “Mexican” food per se. I craved crap. To this end I patronized the Taco Bell located on the Champs-Élysées of the Garden Spot: McGuinness Boulevard. Upon exiting with my bag of unhealthy goodness I noticed two perfectly placed pairs of coordinating footwear atop the garbage can. How they got there is anyone’s guess. I simply found how they coordinated with the building compelling and strangely beautiful.

shitittsTHUMBAfter snapping this shot I opted to enjoy my burrito al fresco. I took a stroll along Provost Street. There outside the premises of the Newtown Creek Waste Water Treatment Facility— in the shadow of the Shit Tits— I happened upon another urban artifact. It too was compelling but most decidedly not beautiful.

It is rare, gentle readers, that I happen upon something that makes me lose my appetite. After closer examination of the item in question (and shooting burrito bits out of my nose) this is exactly what happened. The burrito was placed back in the bag and out came the camera.

I suppose I should take the glass half-full approach:

1. The parties responsible for the piece of love’s detritus which awaited my delectation engaged in safe sex.
2. Greenpoint— especially its more remote/secluded nooks and crannies— is and has long been for lovers.

WARNING/CAVEAT: once this is seen, it cannot be unseen. Click at your own risk.

From The York Shitty Inbox: No, Just HELL No….

June 20, 2014 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Newtown Creek 

Laura Hofmann, board member of the Newtown Creek Alliance, writes:

Here’s a few photos I took today at the Nature Walk (on the premises of a sewage treatment plant — ed. note).  didn’t get my camera out in enough time to catch the young man wading. But I did catch the young man throwing a stick out into the water for his dog to catch. People (and pets) aren’t swimming in the creek when they see agency boats around. But it is indeed happening as these photos show. Therefore, USEPA & NYSDOH and other involved agency documents and processes should be reflecting that this activity is happening. And in addition those agencies should raise the bar in terms of water quality expectations.

wheres levin NYSTo wit, T. Ellis Wilkins  (who reputedly maintains the NCA’s website) replies:

I also see a discrepancy in that the EPA survey boats (Anchor QEA) are out on the creek a lot – but almost exclusively M-F 8am to 4pm. But most people interact with the water on the weekends or after 5pm on weekdays – so they are not really seeing the full scope of use. With the boat club, for instance, many people who regularly paddle (right by the Anchor dock no less) may never see the surveyors out on the creek because of this, and vice versa.

So there have you. I can hardly wait to see what the “‘boat club” does at 51 Ash Street The Broadway Stages Boatyard tomorrow. Perhaps they’ll throw a keg or two into the creek to chill? Maybe someone will see Levin and ask him what he has to say about this?

UPDATE, June 22, 2014: For those of you who are wondering, the Nature Walk being being pressed into service as a dog run is not a new problem. I blogged about this phenomenon on May 5th, 2013.

New York Shitty Photos Du Jour: Where The Rainbow Ends

We got a nice clip of rain this afternoon, but as the Mister and I were having dinner at Casanova’s this evening the sun finally reemerged. The owner of Casanova’s went outside to take a look. I joined him.

Looking for rainbows?

I asked.

He said that, in fact, he was not but— suggested that perhaps one could be seen to the west. I disagreed:

No, it will be over there (pointing east, towards our splendid waste water treatment facility).

I went around the corner and guess what?

Where The Rainbow Ends 600

I was right! I went inside, grabbed my camera and hauled ass to Provost Street. The proprietor of Casanova’s was quite amused by this. To wit, I replied:

rainbow 2 600

I know my shit.

Provost Street 600

Where Dreams Come From 600

If you look carefully, gentle readers, you will notice the faint trace of a second rainbow emanating from the “poop stack”. I gleefully advised the Mister of this discovery, observing:

It’s there because that’s where dreams come from!

Because of course, it is. Closing on a (downright uncanny) note of dreams, rainbows and the Shit Tits, today I completed my first (but definitely not last) Greenpoint-themed snow globe. I proudly present Superfund Me!

SuperfundMe

A big New York Shitty shout out goes to the owner of Casanova’s for keeping my pizza in the over while I went forth to chase rainbows. I just love rainbows…

This post is dedicated to Christine Holowacz who, I have learned, will be leaving her position as the Newtown Creek Monitoring Committee community liaison for the greener pastures of the Koscuiszko Bridge Project!

FBSC NCMC11222 2

This Is Just Plain Awesome…

shittitpaintingNYS

My buddy and all-around environmental BADASS Laura has taken up painting recently. Although her creations are all quite lovely and whimsical, this one (for obvious reasons)  is a stand-out. It simply had to be shared. About its creation she writes:

A walk to the Digester Eggs followed with some 60’s psychedelic music, incense and candles, topped with some community issues translates into this for me…

I give this piece two enthusiastic New York Shitty thumbs up!

From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part III: Cleaning Up After Hurricane Sandy

December 14, 2012 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Newtown Creek 

 

This comes via an anonymous tipster and will undoubtedly be of interest to a great many folks here in north ‘Point. This upcoming Monday, December 17th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Visitors Center at our very own Shit Tits Waste Water Treatment Facility an information session will be conducted for families and businesses impacted by Sandy. Mark your calendars— and ask questions Greenpointers!

Cleaning Up After Sandy: An Information Session
December 17, 2012 starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Newtown Creek Visitors Center
329 Greenpoint Avenue
Brooklyn, new York 11222 

Closing on a related note, those of you who have not seen this segment on PBS regarding the toxic aftermath of Sandy please do give it a watch. In it Greenpoint’s very own (former) resident, Jacqueline Lombard, speaks out. You go, girl!

*You can view Mr. Levin’s missive in Spanish by clicking here.

LAST GASP: Greenpoint Rainbow

As spotted this evening on Greenpoint Avenue. For those of you who are not familiar with Garden Spot geography, the pot of gold at the end of this here rainbow appears to be none other than the Newtown Creek Waste Water Treatment Facility (AKA: the Shit Tits).

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Down In The Ground

What do the Shit Tits, dancing and FDNY explosive experts have in common? Well, come May 17th all the previous (and more) will come together at the visitor’s center of our very own wastewater treatment plant for a evening of dancing and an interactive installation! Given the purpose of this facility one can only wonder what the latter, “interactive”, component of these festivities will entail. I suppose we’ll have to wait until May 17th and find out. NOTE: this event is absolutely free and no RSVP is required!

Down In The Ground: An Evening of Dance Performance & an Interactive Installation
Opening Reception: May 17, 2012 7:00 p.m. (NOTE: the installation will be ongoing until May 31st)
Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Visitor’s Center
329 Greenpoint Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222

By Popular(ish) Demand: Posters!

March 18, 2012 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

Last month the proprietor of one of our Polish delis took a fancy to my Greenpoint Valentine’s Day card and requested I make a poster of it to grace his establishment. As the image at left indicates, I gladly obliged. Then something happened which neither of us anticipated: a number of people inquired as to how they can get a poster of their own.

Not being the kind of person who turns away pocket money when it can be had, I have opened a store on Zazzle where this item can be purchased. This poster measures 16″ by 20″ (same as the original), is printed on semi-gloss paper and can be yours by clicking here. I myself have purchased one and have to say it is pretty nice (granted, I am a mite bit biased)!

In closing, I am open to creating other products sporting this image— and to this end would like your help! Please share your suggestions via comments or email at missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com. Thanks!

LAST GASP: My Funny Valentine

February 15, 2012 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

A chap named Andy writes:

I went to Newtown creek and here is a video I made of the visit on Valentines day…

OUTSTANDING— and thanks for sharing!

Quicklink: Love Stinks

February 9, 2012 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

Those of you looking for a special to celebrate this upcoming Valentine’s Day will be pleased as punch to know there will be a tour that very day at our beloved Shit Tits replete with a Hershey’s Kiss at the end. Aaron Short has the scoop (on the poop) which you can read by clicking here.

Check it out— and oh yeah: buy one of my cards (as seen at left)!

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