Why is the project going to take 5 years?
@Matt Williams, I've been assuming almost every project takes over four years on the NYS and NYC level so that the politicians who put it in will either
- not still be in the position once it can be evaluated as to whether it worked or not; or
- will already have been re-elected once it can be evaluated as to whether it worked or not, so their re-election will not hang on it
With the US Senate, though Federal politics still have me at a loss for its logic, I think it's very often something like ten years before we will really as the public be able to evaluate the effect - isn't it?
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People visit the northern part of the park less because it is in dire need of renovation plus increased security.
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I have an "only in new york" anecdote. Was on the R train last night sitting next to a girl who was reading "The Art of Stillness" and then she took out her phone, was texting, etc. with 1 hand and the other hand she was holding the page open of the book.
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We all know why the "Mostly forgotten" northern end of Central Park hasn't been granted as much attention as its downtown counterpart -- even though the Conservatory Gardens up at 104th Street & Fifth Avenue are divine and the Harlem Meer which was restored a while ago is absolutely delightful -- so it's nice someone wants to show it a little love.
It will go a long way.
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I worked for nearly 15 years in the Google Building during the late 80s into the mid 90s. It was a changing neighborhood at the time. Started out very Hispanic (could hear salsa music and see bodegas) with also some gay residents. That all changed when the building boom in late 80s brought in wealthier residents. The google building itself is just massive going from 8th to 9th Aves and 15 to 16 Streets. It was the “old Port Authority” building before the World Trade Center was built. Still says this on the front facade. Our office on the 12th floor once housed a model of the WTC. On the floor was an auditorium in the center with a full stainless steel kitchen for catering to the executives. The 13th floor, accessible by a separate elevator, housed what was previously executive offices of Port Authority. When I worked there on the 12th floor our next door offices included the company that ran the Count Basie enterprises. And another office was used by Steve Rubell who was famous for Studio 54–this was after his jail term. So the building has tons of history. I think it even housed some not very publicized offices of the FBI.
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This is a very confusing new layout for NY Today.
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@Enilorac - is it the layout or that there seem to be more ads and they're at times falling within sections? (I printed the column out without the ads and it looks very logical.)
Maybe more ads is a sign that the column is getting good clicks. I'm only not clicking what's there ad-wise right now because: I need more tax work for helping others and don't need anyone else doing mine, and our electric is built in to our rent so the pricing is up to the landlord not us, and also, I lose umbrellas so easily that paying more for one that will live longer than me makes no sense for me though I like the concept of products that have endurance.
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The Bitter End story is hilarious!!
Reminds me of hitchhiking with my friend Susan to a concert at RFK stadium in 1973 with a sign that said ‘Grateful Dead’. Even now, we sometimes look at each other and say, Really??
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From today’s “And Finally- “ take your time and get that photo.”
Tune of “Bookends Theme” - the “I have a photograph” Simon and Garfunkel classic track
So fine it was,
And what a line it was!
Sure was -
A sign of prominence
That might have consequences.
Polls give hope it might be.
They came for photographs
And heard the policies.
What will the Left do?
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This pool is very popular among residents. To say that it is “forgotten” is extremely condescending. The upper part of the park is an oasis for local residents that is not overrun by tourists. The goal of making it attractive to tourists should be much lower on the list than better serving local residents.
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I agree. When the southern stretch of Central Park is too crowded to walk during the height of the tourist season, and the reservoir path is like Times Square, the Conservatory Garden, north woods, and pond are lovely. Lovely, indeed, even in untouristed seasons. The wisteria are monumental.
To say it is neglected is silly. Plenty of people use it. Men fish, people walk along the stream and under the stone bridges, tourists buy t-shirts at the visitor's pavilion, children play, mothers push baby buggies -- a mix of everyone. The only thing is that this stretch of woods is less safe than, say, the Ramble. And, personally, I wish people wouldn't play loud radios.
The Conservatory Garden is tranquil. Its gate is from a Vanderbilt mansion. The fountain with the bronze dancing girls is from the Untermeyr estate in Yonkers, for years now in the process of being restored, with new plantings almost daily. (It can be reached by train and is free to visit -- although a contribution is always nice.)
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Interesting that the Central Park Conservancy is marketing this as an "equity" project. For 30 years, they have neglected Lasker Pool, trying to discourage people from using it and yet, thousands of people, mostly younger people of color, use the pool every Summer day. There is no mention that the pool will be substantially smaller, effectively disenfranchising many people. Interesting also that this project comes after Harlem has been gentrified beyond recognition and has become substantially whiter.
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