Photo of a dog run in Riverside Park by Stephen Harmon.
Okay Upper West Siders, let us know what’s on your minds in the comments. Given the relentless focus on crime and bikes in the comments lately, consider addressing some other topics…
Any news on the empty storefronts between 91st and 92nd on Broadway? Anything going in there anytiime soon?
Chris
9 years ago
I’m very sad about the quick demise of the new Key Food Fresh on Amsterdam and 90th. It was physically a very nice store with good prices and great specials. It was a better alterative to Food Emporium. It never seemed to catch on. Where do the many upscale people in that neighborhood shop? I though it was a great addition to the neighborhood and now it’s gone. It’s rare that anything affordable moves in around here Just expensive, boring restaurants and of course endless banks and chain stores
I miss it, too. The layout was awkward…but certainly no worse than Broadway Farm or other stores. Prices were great and the shelves always seemed well-stocked. I feel like they just needed more time to catch on.
That store was so poorly laid out, with such poor checkout that I’m not surprised it failed. Physically nice? It was claustrophobic from the moment you walked in there. The fruit and vegetable section was dreadful. All dairy products were not kept in the same section of the store. Logjam to check out. I’m sure those are the reasons why it failed, but it certainly didn’t help.
Food Emporium and Gristedes are the most overpriced/worst quality-wise stores in the neighborhood. Key Food is not too distant third to them. These places create the illusion of being budget by looking disheveled and stocking limited brands but the reality is they are more expensive, dollar to dollar, than Zabar’s.
Eli Polofsky
9 years ago
Same topic. What’s going into the new construction on Amsterdam between 95th and 96th?
Jon
9 years ago
Does anyone know the name of the man who lives/sleeps in front of Victoria Secret? Green blanket.
My heart breaks for that guy. He used to be in much better shape and stayed around 98th-99th street. Back about 10 years ago, he would accept the occasional help and would do things for people like keep an eye on their dog when they had to run into Health Nuts. Unfortunately, his mental illness has grown much, much worse. He became increasingly paranoid and thought people in that area were trying to get him, so he moved lower. I saw him this winter for the first time in a long time and was stunned at what a bad turn he had taken. He refused a sandwich and rambled on about the violent people who are out to get him. His clothes were completely torn open and he was walking around in the bitter cold. I am not sure how to help him. I know he will accept small items like a cookie, but that is the extent of it.
He yelled at me for 5 minutes after asking me for a little help. I gave him $20 and he followed me for 2 blocks telling me that I had no idea what he would do with $20!
Why do you give them money???? That is why they are there because they know they can get easy money. Like putting a bandaid on a gunshot wound
N
9 years ago
since you asked:
1-Why does it seem like more crimes/accidents are taking place than during any other time in recent memory?
2-What is really behind all the empty store fronts between Lincoln Center the 90s all along Columbus, Broadway and Amsterdam?
3-Why is 72nd street always so dirty?
4-Is there even one single block on the UWS that does not have scaffolding – NYC seems to be the only city in the world that feels the need to blanket its sidewalks with scaffoldings.
5-Will we ever be able to get either decent pizza or a decent diner in the 70s?
6-Is there a good reason why firetrucks and ambulances need to be so incredibly loud, particularly since most of the time they are not attending a situation of like or death?
7-Frustrating to see the number of people who do NOT curb their dogs – some days it’s hard not to step on dog poop.
8-Not a single decent men’s or women’s barber/hair salon in all the UWS?
9-Why would you not want Citibikes on the UWS?
10-Keep up the great work West Side Rag!
#4 is easy: the Local 11 et al. has the city in a chockhold.
#2: the viable ones stay.
Christina
9 years ago
When is Lowes on 68th St. and Broadway opening?
Danilo Medcalf
9 years ago
Mission accomplished. It’s radiant 🙂
jezbel
9 years ago
I want to know why 235 W. 76th Street had the gas turned off by Con Ed. It’s been off for 3 weeks. I understand most of the apartments in the building failed a pressure test and management says it could take a year to repair and have Con Ed re-connect the gas. To that end management is considering capping off the pipe and supplying electric stoves and ovens. What a horrible idea. Why would it take so long to repair? And just as long to have Con Ed turn on?
this is the sort of housing issue i would like to see WSR cover more.
pickle
9 years ago
i want to know why Riverside Blvd between w66 and 72 is not a “slow zone” – it seems to me there should be speed reduction bumps to help slow traffic so the pedestrians, strollers and bikes can safely cross the street to riverside park. people do not stop at the stop signs and they drive very fast through the blvd. there are often trucks parked blocking stop signs – last summer i argued with the ice cream truck many times to move away from blocking the stop sign on w68 and the police told him to move many times but he still parks there.
Gretchen
9 years ago
I would like to see the M104 bus route restored to its former full route, which went from the UWS all the way to the UN (and back) on 42nd St. The MTA truncated the line in 2010, due to so-called financial budget problems. Meanwhile, one of the most densely populated areas in the city has been denied proper bus service. The bus now only goes as far as 42nd St. and when you have to change to go crosstown, you’re stuck with the M42, the line that wins the Pokey awards every year. You have to wait forever for the M42, and often when the buses finally show up, they are too overcrowded to board. CB7 voted to restore the M104 bus line the past winter, as the MTA has since restored other city bus lines that were cut. But so far, nothing. Doesn’t the UWS deserve better transportation? And why are our elected officials doing anything about this? They’re so worried about “poor doors,” (hey, Helen Rosenthal) while we wait for buses that never come.
Shortening the M104 was one of the most stupid and distressful ideas from the MTA ever!
I frequently travel to Murray Hill and when I don’t want to take the train, I use the 96th St. crosstown and take a local Lex. Ave. bus down. Waiting for the infrequent M102 or M103 at that dark and dangerous corner of 96th/Lex. is not something I look forward to. Plus the drivers on those routes are often rude.
It has been said that the Bloomberg Administration/DOT sought elimination of the 42nd Street portion of the M104 because it (turns and bus stops) interfered with the Bloomberg development of pedestrian plazas in Times Square. (Remember also that M7 was re-routed due to implementation of bike lanes and traffic reconfiguration on Broadway)
Assemblyperson Linda Rosenthal (not related to Helen)has been trying to get it retsored and has mentioned it in constituent mailings.
Carol Weinshenker
9 years ago
I would like to use this comment to pressure our elected leaders to vote down TPP. I hope that your readers will do the same
Carol Weinshenker
Why? As a pretty liberal Liberal, I’ve noticed that it’s sort of our Benghazi dog whistle, but can’t figure out the actual problem.
NJ
9 years ago
Why do some bus drivers leave the bus stop just to wait at a red light? Even though you are waving to them not to go!!! Just maddening.
Also, this Tuesday the sweepers that try to clean the street decided to go down 80th street between Broadway and Amsterdam twice. Two different ones! The second one was accompanied by a traffic police car. Definitely trying hard to keep their union power! What a mess!
upperwestsideguy
9 years ago
A few observations:
We have way too many panhandlers. Most have severe drug or mental issues and are possibly dangerous to themselves and others. This is a public health issue as well.There needs to be a presence in the are that makes it clear they must move along of be hospitalized to address their issues. Its better then having them die on the street in front of your home.Even if they are ill, they don’t deserve that.
Some of the people loitering around the 96th subway entrance are creepy as they hang out here all hours of the day and night.
Broadway Southbound between 97th and 96th is a parking lot with deliveries taking a whole lane it is reduced to a standstill
when anyone tries to make a right. Then all the horns start. Its very unpleasant.
There is a whole lane that is lost and should be restored.
97th Between West End and Broadway Should have no parking as it is an hourly blockage with millions of horns honking at all hours because EMS FDNY and police are restricted from getting through.
Creepy people are people too. Just because they dont look like you doesnt mean they are bad.
As for the mental health stuff, I’m going to hope you mean that in a positive way. That being said, people have the right to refuse treatment, as sad as it may be in some cases. Many of the persistent mentally ill do not understand they have an illness, and do not believe they need help. Its tragic and frustrating, and something nobody has been able to solve.
The good news is that the mentally ill are NO MORE DANGEROUS than anyone else. Having schizophrenia or bipolar disorder does not make someone violent if they arent already violent. So shake your head that we as a society are failing these people, but dont be afraid of them just because they have an illness.
Debbie D First let me say I admire your response and passion on this issue.
I have worked with the mentally challenged for over 40 years. I also agree with with your comments I believe there needs to be more public outreach.
I am well aware of the tragedies that ensue when individuals ( as well to those they affect) in the grips of varied challenges succumb to their situations. I have worked in different fields This morning I witnessed what appeared to be an overdose or seizure right in front of the entrance. 911 was timely and multiple people reached out.
I made sure that his airway was not restricted and attempted to determine if he was still breathing. Then I counted the seconds until FDNY appeared. I directed them to the proper location and told them what I saw and knew. Then I left the scene as they pulled the stretcher out. I was just coming home from work and it was a ghastly thing to watch. It appeared very much like someone combating the heroin nod. I will admit it could just as easily been a number of other things.
Upon my return from an errand I came across one of the paramedics and inquired if the person was alive Before the stretcher got those 20 yards he jumped up ran away into the subway!
Although we will never know exactly what transpired it was nice to see so many people call out for help through one means or another.
As to Bi-polar Schizophrenic, comment, well I worked with both in different professions.I treat each on an individual basis. However untreated paranoid schizophrenic usually scares the hell out of me.
I honestly feel if anyone cannot take care of themselves they should be afforded the same healthcare as anyone else. If and individual. Its akin to leaving a homeless person on the street when its 20 below zero, sure they may not want to go. Nor do they have to remain at a shelter, but we have to get rid of the stigma that comes with homelessness and mental illness and just let them fend for themselves.
What one must also know the millions of individuals have survived and prospered with these varied challenges and learned to turn liabilities in assets. Non I know did it by themselves.
Illness must be dealt with as a public health issue. I Ebola or TB, were rampant as here, I’m sure the response would be different. Clearly this is a complicated issue all of which cannot be addressed here. I find that even challenged people will respond to love and kindness and try to live up to a slightly higher expectation that the lowest common denominator, so in this sense it is an act of kindness to raise the bar slightly for a little civility. For anyone who has seen the lowest common denominator , its pretty horrible. Most people really don’t want that, even if the are really ill. Where there is a pulse there is a chance. To do nothing is morally wrong.
I would love to hear anything you have to say on the issue further as I suspect your vantage point comes from good experience! I know I have a great deal still to learn.
C
9 years ago
* still bewildered at the empty storefronts on columbus between 86th and 87th, what gives?
* agree on the staggering number of panhandlers on broadway, especially in the 80s and 90s, also why does it seem every mailbox has recently been covered with graffiti?
* lastly, although I along with others continually lament the declining lifestyle issues in the west 90s, I just sold my smallish apartment with a view of a brick wall in the high 80s, and we had more than 100 people show up to two open houses and received multiple offers from people from literally every walk of life you can possibly imagine (teachers, architects, graduate students, finance types, etc.), so despite all of this, people still want to live here, and good on us for that!
Adrienne
9 years ago
Love the West Side Rag. Thanks to all who contribute to this community chat sheet.
I’m wondering whether it’s possible not to “lead with the bleed” in the subject line so often. I’m appreciative of WSR’s coverage and always open my copy so I am informed about the more negative events happening on the UWS, however, it’s my personal preference to associate seeing the West Side Rag in my mailbox with the overwhelmingly positive news that you cover rather than the darker side of life. I’m not suggesting that you stop covering death, dismemberment and random acts of violence, just that you don’t lead with them so often in the subject line.
Again, thanks for the great work!
The area in front of the former Lincoln Sq Synagogue on Amsterdam between 69 & 70th has become derelict – the Fresh Direct truck is always parked there, old furniture has been set up, food cartons and trash blowing everywhere. It looks like the Sanitation Dept hasn’t visited in months.
The developer who purchased the old Lincoln Square Synagogue property (and expects to build a luxury high-rise of course) is responsible for maintaining – but is derelict.
The entire area around the 72nd subway station needs a major overhaul. From the Gray’s Papaya and Sleepys to the fast food court and empty storefront to the abandoned synagogue to the south.
I agree but we can’t get rid of Gray’s Papaya! If that goes, UWS will certainly be going to hell in a handbasket! And further down the drain!
A Concerned Neighbor
9 years ago
How about enforcing the traffic laws on West End Ave between 66th and 70th Streets (Lincoln Towers) as a quality of life issue. The area is full of small children (PS 199 is on 70th St), the elderly, and people with mobility impairments. There are no cross Streets between 66th and 70th and a lot of drivers seem to think that the traffic lights are just a suggestion, especially during the AM and PM rush hours.
Second on this particular stretch — though I’d also like to see traffic enforcement on West End Avenue generally (turns without signals, sloppy left turns through near intersection rather than center of intersection [leading to a death at 95th Street], overnight parking at hydrants).
To say nothing of drivers blatantly yakking on cell phones while doing all of the above.
Does the NYPD enforce traffic regulations *anywhere*, anymore?
No, the police do not enforce any traffic laws. I’ve been living on the UWS for 40 years and never seen them give a ticket to a driver or pedestrian and now cyclist.
I’m not sure what the police in the 2-0 actually do.
disgruntled rider
9 years ago
Why is the M5 Ltd downtown weekday morning service so poor? At my stop, there are 3 buses on the schedule (I know, fool’s paradise) from 7:00AM-7:31AM. The first comes early the last two late. Very often after waiting 15-20 minutes, one ambles down Broadway with “Next Bus Please” and usually according to the MTA bus app the next one is 10-15 minutes behind. For this they are charging us more money?
Lynn
9 years ago
I know that the Old Metro theatre on Broadway between 99 and 100 has landmark status but come on – it’s been empty like 15 years give or take and its a complete eyesore. It’s getting old and not much of a landmark. They need to get rid of it enough already.
I’ve been in contact with the Landmarks Commission to complain. There’s something called “Demolition by Neglect,” which is illegal, but which owners of landmarks sometimes do for all sorts of reason. The Metro is on their radar screen but the more neighbors who complain, the better. Please file a complaint form or call! https://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/violation/violation.shtml
why ? still looks better then the new luxury bldg next to it.
better to have it re-opened in 20 years then soulless high income residential bldg with a bank
Second !! totally agree Kaz.. We need the Metro Theatre. The buidling connected to it and the other one across the street with the Urban Outfitters at it’s base make me sick. so out of place , so mundane
I was really hoping that Alamo Drafthouse/Cinema was going to take it over…but apparently all the development BS was too much even for them.
mlm
9 years ago
I second the comment made by Gretchen about returning the 104 bus to its former route extending across 42nd Street. It served us well for decades and made many connections possible.
Secondly, why did they change the last stop on the 86th Street crosstown bus from West End and 87th Street? The front of the busses still say the destination is West End Avenue, but it isn’t.
Thanks for this forum.
Denise Mattia
9 years ago
It seems like every restaurant and bar on the UWS drags greasy garbage to the corner each night, leaving a buildup of grease and dirt yards away from the establishment. With often two restaurants on one street, the sidewalk becomes filthy. Apparently owners don’t see this or don’t care about anything other than their facility. Yet they’ll create an outdoor cafe each morning on a disgustingly dirty sidewalk. Why isn’t there a law (written or unwritten) which mandates scrubbing down with a scrub broom and soapy water to keep their sidewalk clean.
The Chipotle on 110th st is the WORST with this. At least once every couple of weeks they break bags when they throw out for the night and all the empty avocado shells get strewn all over the street. It is a mess. There should be a requirement that restaurants have to wash down their frontages.
Denise
9 years ago
Any word on what’s happening at 206 and 208 West 95th Street? They’re both empty and rumor has it a highrise will be built on the site.
columbus circle
9 years ago
I want to include all of us who live in Clinton which is the break between Hells Kitchen and the Upper West Side. There are not many stories near Columbus Circle which is technically the UWS and currently going through a lot of changes.
Second, I understand that the scaffolding is always up because of the companies that own them. They do not have storage units for the scaffolding therefore they stay up until another project needs them. I am sure it is illegal, but no one seems to be enforcing this problem!
you could not be more wrong about the scaffold situation! first off as someone mentioned they are required by the LAW to prevent accidents when there is work on the exterior of the buildings, which includes inspections that are done on a regular basis – another LAW to prevent things like bricks falling on people. I’m sure that you would rather not have that happen, but hey everyone has an opinion.
The building rents the scaffolding, so there is no reason whatsoever to leave it up any longer than necessary. There was a case a while back in midtown where a building owner had advertisements on the scaffolding and was making serious $, but that’s not the case up here.
I think you misunderstood me as I was not attacking the reason for the scaffolding rather the length of time (even months after all construction is finished) where it is still up. I understand the laws of exterior inspections every few years as I live in a co-op and need scaffolding for that reason. They are just not prompt in removing the scaffolding as the companies do not have enough storage so they will not remove it until it can be taken to another location
Denise
9 years ago
Why don’t restaurants and bars clean their sidewalks with a scrub brush and soapy water after they drag their greasy garbage to the street? . Many set up outdoor cafes on the dirt — clearly no one looks at where they’re eating. During the summer, the sidewalks smell and are unsightly (actually disgusting). There should be a mandate to scrub their sidewalk when they dirty it.
It depends on the cleaning agents used and how the water is applied to the trees or other plants by the runoff:
“Greywater (also spelled graywater) or sullage is defined as all wastewater streams generated from households or office buildings except for the wastewater from toilets. Sources of greywater include for example sinks, showers, baths, clothes washing machines or dish washers. As greywater contains many fewer pathogens than domestic wastewater, it is easier to treat and to recycle onsite for uses such as toilet flushing, landscape irrigation or even irrigation of crops.”
“Most greywater should be assumed to have some blackwater-type components, including pathogens. Greywater should be applied below the surface where possible (e.g., via drip line on top of the soil, under mulch; or in mulch-filled trenches) and not sprayed, as there is a danger of inhaling the water as an aerosol.
In any greywater system, it is important to avoid toxic materials such as bleaches, bath salts, artificial dyes, chlorine-based cleansers, strong acids/alkali, solvents, and products containing boron, which is toxic to plants at high levels. Most cleaning agents contain sodium salts, which can cause excessive soil alkalinity, inhibit seed germination, and destroy the structure of soils by dispersing clay. Soils watered with greywater systems can be amended with gypsum (calcium sulfate) to reduce pH. Cleaning products containing ammonia are safe to use, as plants can use it to obtain nitrogen.[2] A 2010 study of greywater irrigation found no major health effects on plants, and suggests sodium buildup is largely dependent on the degree to which greywater migrates vertically through the soil.
Some greywater may be applied directly from the sink to the garden or container field, receiving further treatment from soil life and plant roots.”
Johnny C.
9 years ago
Does anyone know of any community theater groups on the UWS? There are a few on the East Side but none over here on the West Side. It may be interesting to see if there is enough interest to start one.
RangersInSeven
9 years ago
Does anyone find it unusual that after 5-6 years, Lincoln Square still has empty storefronts (on both Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues)? Does Winick have incentive to keep the stores empty so it can claim tax losses?
What businesses would you like to see there? Personally, I’d love to have another Patsy’s and/or a diner (which is not owned by the same folks that serve mediocre food at Metro, Manhattan and City Diners).
Also, if there must be a big box/chain store, why not The Container Store?
I am an UWS business owner and have had THE WORST time dealing with Winick. I tried, on several occasions, to see some of the properties that they have listed and was met with nothing but rudeness and disrespect. On one occasion, I had an appointment to see one of their spaces and the broker conveniently “forgot” the keys to the space but “just happened” to have the keys to a space different from the one I wanted to view. I don’t know what Winick’s deal is as a lot of their exclusive listings have gone unrented for quite some time now. You’d think the building owners would eventually get tired of having an empty space and hire someone more competent to handle their real estate listings. Really a shame to see all these empty store fronts just sitting around while more and more fellow small business get priced out of their locations.
One of the basic tenets of democracy is that the people living under it will be responsible. So people weren’t responsible enough to clean up after their dogs, so a law was written. I would much prefer that the police watch for crimes that are violent or dangerous, than give tickets for people who don’t pick up their poop. That being said—–why can’t people pick up the poop without it being a law!!!!!!! It’s common courtesy—-and it shouldn’t have to be a law!!! PICK IT UP!!!
uwsider
9 years ago
seems like there are so many more pigeons these days. And it appears that someone is feeding them at different places around the neighborhood. I have seen bird feed out at the park at 88th and Riverside, 87th and West End, 90th and West End – and other places too. I don’t know if this is legal but it should be discouraged.
uwsider
9 years ago
and while I am at it, I love having all the dogs in neighborhood as they bring such a cute presence with them. But whatever happened to curbing your dog?? Since when is it acceptable to just leave it in middle of the sidewalk where everyone has to walk – even if you do clean it up it is still very noticeable. Maybe they should bring those signs back. How about a little consideration for all of your human neighbors that have to walk those sidewalks? thank you.
I agree that dogs make the neighborhood more friendly and many conversations are started that way. Many kids come up to me to pet my dog because they don’t have one of their own. And I’ve met people that I’ve become friends with. But as a dog owner and part-time dog walker I hate hearing about the number of dog owners who don’t pick up after their dogs. I thinks it’s not only disgusting but so inconsiderate of your neighbors.
When I see it I try to offer a bag to give them a chance to do the right thing, even though you should carry your own. But I’ve had people tell me to mind my own business, ignore me or even curse at me. As a dog owner it makes us look bad. Many of us are diligent about cleaning up. To those who are guilty of this, stop being lazy and start giving a damn about your neighborhood. It’s the law!!!
uwsider
9 years ago
and finally – when scaffolding goes up then even when it rains the area under the scaffolding never gets clean from dog use and etc. Some buildings with doormen will spray it down but if the building is under construction shouldn’t the owners still be obligated to keep the sidewalks clean?
Lynn
9 years ago
I agree completely about the disgusting grease and food stains on the sidewalks. It’s Gross. I have seen them cleaning the streets but it needs a POWER WASH. Aside from restaurants, a lot of residential buildings never clean after the garbage pick ups occur. The City should start giving out tickets. The City recently gave a lot of tickets to buildings that did not comply with the recyclable law. The City just seems more filthy then I remember in recent years.
lisa
9 years ago
Wondering why outdoor cafes are permitted to take up so much space on avenues with narrow sidewalks?
For example, the sidewalks on Amsterdam Avenue are narrow. Between 79th and 83rd especally there are numerous restaurants with outdoor cafes that really extend onto the sidewalk. Between the extended outdor cafe seating plus bicycle racks at curbside, there is no place to walk. When the weather gets warm it is so congested that people are actually “waiting on line” just to walk on the sidewalk.
Why not smaller areas for outdoor cafes on narrow avenues/sidewalks?
Wait until the Citi bikes come on the sidewalks. I think it will be a disaster. With the delivery men and the bike riders already on the streets there is no room to even walk with dodging the baby carriages and all the tourists looking up not to even mention all the people with their heads buried in their phones. Can’t wait to hear about the accidents that will occur and who’s to blame.
zuma
9 years ago
What irritates me is the growing amount of graffiti. When I moved here two years ago, there was virtually none, and now it is very apparent. Nothing screams the beginning of decay quite like numerous graffiti! Awhile back, the WSR ran a piece about the 24th precinct accepting donations of paint, etc. When I contacted them, a very nice officer responded and informed me that he was running low of supplies. It strikes me in a very odd fashion that there is no designated dept to take care of graffiti. When I lived in another large city, if any graffiti appeared, it was promptly dealt with by a designated team. I feel that it is very odd that the largest city in the US does not have the same. If you want the upper west side to be nice, it has to look nice!
There is more graffiti than other places in the country because it is native to this city. The Upper West Side played a pivotal role in developing this tradition and continues this tradition by displaying a healthy amount letting everyone know what city this is: New York. For more history: https://www.rtwplanet.com/history-of-rtw.html
And there you have it, folks. As long as there are voices not only defending the vandalism but actually proclaiming it to be “art”, the rest of us will continue to be subject to the arrogance of having our city marked up and defaced.
And besides, we all know that, before these street hoodlums started scrawling garbage everywhere, New York City just wasn’t New York City, right?
Maybe we should get all these big box stores to donate supplies.
Eddie
9 years ago
Why does the homeless guy who wanders up and down the west side of Broadway in the low 80s always have to urinate when I am walking by, and particularly when I am walking by with my kids. I know there are bigger problems in the city, but this guy is a real nuisance.
Mike P.
9 years ago
We don’t seem to have cops walking a beat or showing a presence on the UWS until something very bad happens. We can’t get 2 to 4 ccps daily walking a beat for example near the 96th St & Broadway station and neighboring community where lotss of loitering, homeless, traffic, accidents and more increases daily? Come on NYPD. Time for community policing in our community to improve and protect our UWS.
If you want to see cops come to the NY Philharmonic in Central Park this summer. Its a great annual event all New Yorkers can enjoy except for bike riders. Don’t mind the people talking during the concert, but the light pollution created by all the cell phones and camera flashes of people taking selfies at the event really interfering with the fireworks, it makes star gazing and smoking a joint in the dark very difficult. Hope to see you all there this summer.
You are right. SInce I have lived here in Lincoln Sq. I have never, ever seen a cop walking the ‘beat’. EVER. I have seen them gathered around watching the crowd at fashion week. I have seen them speed down the bike lane in a car, and make u-turns on 72nd, and make rights on reds.
Enzio
9 years ago
I agree with the comment that firetrucks and ambulances are incredibly too loud. The sirens, horns, and synthesizers must be 140 decibels at the source. Repeated exposure to this will severely damage the hearing of the firefighters. It is like “boys with toys”–always there are new sounds for them to show off, and they run this noise even when returning to the firehouse at Amsterdam & 66th St. It is a serious degradation of our quality of life. People are awakened in the middle of the night, often repeatedly, by sirens and horns. If there is heavy traffic it can take an agonizing 2 minutes for a shrieking firetruck to travel one block. The real solution is to plan and engineer traffic movement to reduce congestion, but that has proved to be vastly beyond the limited ability of our elected officials and civil servants.
Vince
9 years ago
What a beautiful and glorious day today on the UWS. What a great time to be alive and enjoying the moment.
Sorry Vince but this comment is way out of bounds with his thread. Only complaints and general bitching are allowed. No positive comments or general statements about how nice things are. That’s out of character with the UWS.
john
9 years ago
just overving that theguy in the pink shirt in the photo for this post is vaguely reminiscent of Jack Nicholson…
My wife and I live on West 95th (bet. CPW and Columbus. We have heard that Citi Bike is coming to Columbus between 94th-95. Any news? We are all very worried but in the dark still re: a replacement for Food City or what is Lefrak planning for that location. Another giant apartment building to block the sun and create noise? Please share your knowledge. I am trying to received Westside Rag re: e mail with no luck. Much thanks, Ian Mackler
Jane Eddy
9 years ago
Does anyone else feel that the UWS ( indeed the whole city) is getting dirtier? Less street cleaning? Less vigilance by residents and shop keepers? Ugh.
Totally agree. Upper West Side very dirty. Especially w72nd street.
Byrd
9 years ago
Le Pain Quotidian 72nd between Columbus and CPW – I believe someone put a credit card skimmer on this place. I had been stopping by each morning for a coffee/muffin paying with my card and last week got a fraud alert.
Destroyed the compromised card and used my ‘back up’ card that I do not use unless of emergencies. Only place I went was to that same Le Pain and got a fraud alert that night. Going to file a police report but beware.
Leslie Rupert
9 years ago
What happened to the statue of the Seeing Eye Dog that was located on the west side of the new entrance to the 72nd Street subway entrance.
It was a wonderful tribute to all the dogs that have been trained in this area.
I think someone or a few people uprooted him or her and put it in Central Park. Or at least that’s what I heard. I loved that sculpture at the subway station!
Any news on the empty storefronts between 91st and 92nd on Broadway? Anything going in there anytiime soon?
I’m very sad about the quick demise of the new Key Food Fresh on Amsterdam and 90th. It was physically a very nice store with good prices and great specials. It was a better alterative to Food Emporium. It never seemed to catch on. Where do the many upscale people in that neighborhood shop? I though it was a great addition to the neighborhood and now it’s gone. It’s rare that anything affordable moves in around here Just expensive, boring restaurants and of course endless banks and chain stores
I miss it, too. The layout was awkward…but certainly no worse than Broadway Farm or other stores. Prices were great and the shelves always seemed well-stocked. I feel like they just needed more time to catch on.
That store was so poorly laid out, with such poor checkout that I’m not surprised it failed. Physically nice? It was claustrophobic from the moment you walked in there. The fruit and vegetable section was dreadful. All dairy products were not kept in the same section of the store. Logjam to check out. I’m sure those are the reasons why it failed, but it certainly didn’t help.
Food Emporium and Gristedes are the most overpriced/worst quality-wise stores in the neighborhood. Key Food is not too distant third to them. These places create the illusion of being budget by looking disheveled and stocking limited brands but the reality is they are more expensive, dollar to dollar, than Zabar’s.
Same topic. What’s going into the new construction on Amsterdam between 95th and 96th?
Does anyone know the name of the man who lives/sleeps in front of Victoria Secret? Green blanket.
My heart breaks for that guy. He used to be in much better shape and stayed around 98th-99th street. Back about 10 years ago, he would accept the occasional help and would do things for people like keep an eye on their dog when they had to run into Health Nuts. Unfortunately, his mental illness has grown much, much worse. He became increasingly paranoid and thought people in that area were trying to get him, so he moved lower. I saw him this winter for the first time in a long time and was stunned at what a bad turn he had taken. He refused a sandwich and rambled on about the violent people who are out to get him. His clothes were completely torn open and he was walking around in the bitter cold. I am not sure how to help him. I know he will accept small items like a cookie, but that is the extent of it.
The one that yells at people for giving him money?
He yelled at me for 5 minutes after asking me for a little help. I gave him $20 and he followed me for 2 blocks telling me that I had no idea what he would do with $20!
$20 ??!
I’ll yell at you for $10!
LOL ONK!
Why do you give them money???? That is why they are there because they know they can get easy money. Like putting a bandaid on a gunshot wound
since you asked:
1-Why does it seem like more crimes/accidents are taking place than during any other time in recent memory?
2-What is really behind all the empty store fronts between Lincoln Center the 90s all along Columbus, Broadway and Amsterdam?
3-Why is 72nd street always so dirty?
4-Is there even one single block on the UWS that does not have scaffolding – NYC seems to be the only city in the world that feels the need to blanket its sidewalks with scaffoldings.
5-Will we ever be able to get either decent pizza or a decent diner in the 70s?
6-Is there a good reason why firetrucks and ambulances need to be so incredibly loud, particularly since most of the time they are not attending a situation of like or death?
7-Frustrating to see the number of people who do NOT curb their dogs – some days it’s hard not to step on dog poop.
8-Not a single decent men’s or women’s barber/hair salon in all the UWS?
9-Why would you not want Citibikes on the UWS?
10-Keep up the great work West Side Rag!
Pizza: Freddie & Peppers slices are tops
Thanks, I had completely forgotten about them.
I like Franklin’s barbershop on 84th & Amsterdam. Good deal $18 for a haircut.
#4 is easy: the Local 11 et al. has the city in a chockhold.
#2: the viable ones stay.
When is Lowes on 68th St. and Broadway opening?
Mission accomplished. It’s radiant 🙂
I want to know why 235 W. 76th Street had the gas turned off by Con Ed. It’s been off for 3 weeks. I understand most of the apartments in the building failed a pressure test and management says it could take a year to repair and have Con Ed re-connect the gas. To that end management is considering capping off the pipe and supplying electric stoves and ovens. What a horrible idea. Why would it take so long to repair? And just as long to have Con Ed turn on?
this is the sort of housing issue i would like to see WSR cover more.
i want to know why Riverside Blvd between w66 and 72 is not a “slow zone” – it seems to me there should be speed reduction bumps to help slow traffic so the pedestrians, strollers and bikes can safely cross the street to riverside park. people do not stop at the stop signs and they drive very fast through the blvd. there are often trucks parked blocking stop signs – last summer i argued with the ice cream truck many times to move away from blocking the stop sign on w68 and the police told him to move many times but he still parks there.
I would like to see the M104 bus route restored to its former full route, which went from the UWS all the way to the UN (and back) on 42nd St. The MTA truncated the line in 2010, due to so-called financial budget problems. Meanwhile, one of the most densely populated areas in the city has been denied proper bus service. The bus now only goes as far as 42nd St. and when you have to change to go crosstown, you’re stuck with the M42, the line that wins the Pokey awards every year. You have to wait forever for the M42, and often when the buses finally show up, they are too overcrowded to board. CB7 voted to restore the M104 bus line the past winter, as the MTA has since restored other city bus lines that were cut. But so far, nothing. Doesn’t the UWS deserve better transportation? And why are our elected officials doing anything about this? They’re so worried about “poor doors,” (hey, Helen Rosenthal) while we wait for buses that never come.
Shortening the M104 was one of the most stupid and distressful ideas from the MTA ever!
I frequently travel to Murray Hill and when I don’t want to take the train, I use the 96th St. crosstown and take a local Lex. Ave. bus down. Waiting for the infrequent M102 or M103 at that dark and dangerous corner of 96th/Lex. is not something I look forward to. Plus the drivers on those routes are often rude.
It would also be nice if the M104 was one of those long bendable ones that could fit more passengers.
It has been said that the Bloomberg Administration/DOT sought elimination of the 42nd Street portion of the M104 because it (turns and bus stops) interfered with the Bloomberg development of pedestrian plazas in Times Square. (Remember also that M7 was re-routed due to implementation of bike lanes and traffic reconfiguration on Broadway)
Assemblyperson Linda Rosenthal (not related to Helen)has been trying to get it retsored and has mentioned it in constituent mailings.
I would like to use this comment to pressure our elected leaders to vote down TPP. I hope that your readers will do the same
Carol Weinshenker
What’s “TPP”?
Hard to get backers if you’re going to speak in code.
LOL it’s the transpacific partnership — think nafta but for asia. bc we all know that nafta ENDED ALL LIFE ON EARTH
no, it didn’t end all life on earth… but most economists now agree that it helped expand the vast economic inequality now prevalent.
Why? As a pretty liberal Liberal, I’ve noticed that it’s sort of our Benghazi dog whistle, but can’t figure out the actual problem.
Why do some bus drivers leave the bus stop just to wait at a red light? Even though you are waving to them not to go!!! Just maddening.
Also, this Tuesday the sweepers that try to clean the street decided to go down 80th street between Broadway and Amsterdam twice. Two different ones! The second one was accompanied by a traffic police car. Definitely trying hard to keep their union power! What a mess!
A few observations:
We have way too many panhandlers. Most have severe drug or mental issues and are possibly dangerous to themselves and others. This is a public health issue as well.There needs to be a presence in the are that makes it clear they must move along of be hospitalized to address their issues. Its better then having them die on the street in front of your home.Even if they are ill, they don’t deserve that.
Some of the people loitering around the 96th subway entrance are creepy as they hang out here all hours of the day and night.
Broadway Southbound between 97th and 96th is a parking lot with deliveries taking a whole lane it is reduced to a standstill
when anyone tries to make a right. Then all the horns start. Its very unpleasant.
There is a whole lane that is lost and should be restored.
97th Between West End and Broadway Should have no parking as it is an hourly blockage with millions of horns honking at all hours because EMS FDNY and police are restricted from getting through.
A couple of responses:
Creepy people are people too. Just because they dont look like you doesnt mean they are bad.
As for the mental health stuff, I’m going to hope you mean that in a positive way. That being said, people have the right to refuse treatment, as sad as it may be in some cases. Many of the persistent mentally ill do not understand they have an illness, and do not believe they need help. Its tragic and frustrating, and something nobody has been able to solve.
The good news is that the mentally ill are NO MORE DANGEROUS than anyone else. Having schizophrenia or bipolar disorder does not make someone violent if they arent already violent. So shake your head that we as a society are failing these people, but dont be afraid of them just because they have an illness.
Debbie D First let me say I admire your response and passion on this issue.
I have worked with the mentally challenged for over 40 years. I also agree with with your comments I believe there needs to be more public outreach.
I am well aware of the tragedies that ensue when individuals ( as well to those they affect) in the grips of varied challenges succumb to their situations. I have worked in different fields This morning I witnessed what appeared to be an overdose or seizure right in front of the entrance. 911 was timely and multiple people reached out.
I made sure that his airway was not restricted and attempted to determine if he was still breathing. Then I counted the seconds until FDNY appeared. I directed them to the proper location and told them what I saw and knew. Then I left the scene as they pulled the stretcher out. I was just coming home from work and it was a ghastly thing to watch. It appeared very much like someone combating the heroin nod. I will admit it could just as easily been a number of other things.
Upon my return from an errand I came across one of the paramedics and inquired if the person was alive Before the stretcher got those 20 yards he jumped up ran away into the subway!
Although we will never know exactly what transpired it was nice to see so many people call out for help through one means or another.
As to Bi-polar Schizophrenic, comment, well I worked with both in different professions.I treat each on an individual basis. However untreated paranoid schizophrenic usually scares the hell out of me.
I honestly feel if anyone cannot take care of themselves they should be afforded the same healthcare as anyone else. If and individual. Its akin to leaving a homeless person on the street when its 20 below zero, sure they may not want to go. Nor do they have to remain at a shelter, but we have to get rid of the stigma that comes with homelessness and mental illness and just let them fend for themselves.
What one must also know the millions of individuals have survived and prospered with these varied challenges and learned to turn liabilities in assets. Non I know did it by themselves.
Illness must be dealt with as a public health issue. I Ebola or TB, were rampant as here, I’m sure the response would be different. Clearly this is a complicated issue all of which cannot be addressed here. I find that even challenged people will respond to love and kindness and try to live up to a slightly higher expectation that the lowest common denominator, so in this sense it is an act of kindness to raise the bar slightly for a little civility. For anyone who has seen the lowest common denominator , its pretty horrible. Most people really don’t want that, even if the are really ill. Where there is a pulse there is a chance. To do nothing is morally wrong.
I would love to hear anything you have to say on the issue further as I suspect your vantage point comes from good experience! I know I have a great deal still to learn.
* still bewildered at the empty storefronts on columbus between 86th and 87th, what gives?
* agree on the staggering number of panhandlers on broadway, especially in the 80s and 90s, also why does it seem every mailbox has recently been covered with graffiti?
* lastly, although I along with others continually lament the declining lifestyle issues in the west 90s, I just sold my smallish apartment with a view of a brick wall in the high 80s, and we had more than 100 people show up to two open houses and received multiple offers from people from literally every walk of life you can possibly imagine (teachers, architects, graduate students, finance types, etc.), so despite all of this, people still want to live here, and good on us for that!
Love the West Side Rag. Thanks to all who contribute to this community chat sheet.
I’m wondering whether it’s possible not to “lead with the bleed” in the subject line so often. I’m appreciative of WSR’s coverage and always open my copy so I am informed about the more negative events happening on the UWS, however, it’s my personal preference to associate seeing the West Side Rag in my mailbox with the overwhelmingly positive news that you cover rather than the darker side of life. I’m not suggesting that you stop covering death, dismemberment and random acts of violence, just that you don’t lead with them so often in the subject line.
Again, thanks for the great work!
Thanks for the suggestion. WSR
The area in front of the former Lincoln Sq Synagogue on Amsterdam between 69 & 70th has become derelict – the Fresh Direct truck is always parked there, old furniture has been set up, food cartons and trash blowing everywhere. It looks like the Sanitation Dept hasn’t visited in months.
The developer who purchased the old Lincoln Square Synagogue property (and expects to build a luxury high-rise of course) is responsible for maintaining – but is derelict.
The entire area around the 72nd subway station needs a major overhaul. From the Gray’s Papaya and Sleepys to the fast food court and empty storefront to the abandoned synagogue to the south.
I agree but we can’t get rid of Gray’s Papaya! If that goes, UWS will certainly be going to hell in a handbasket! And further down the drain!
How about enforcing the traffic laws on West End Ave between 66th and 70th Streets (Lincoln Towers) as a quality of life issue. The area is full of small children (PS 199 is on 70th St), the elderly, and people with mobility impairments. There are no cross Streets between 66th and 70th and a lot of drivers seem to think that the traffic lights are just a suggestion, especially during the AM and PM rush hours.
Second on this particular stretch — though I’d also like to see traffic enforcement on West End Avenue generally (turns without signals, sloppy left turns through near intersection rather than center of intersection [leading to a death at 95th Street], overnight parking at hydrants).
To say nothing of drivers blatantly yakking on cell phones while doing all of the above.
Does the NYPD enforce traffic regulations *anywhere*, anymore?
No, the police do not enforce any traffic laws. I’ve been living on the UWS for 40 years and never seen them give a ticket to a driver or pedestrian and now cyclist.
I’m not sure what the police in the 2-0 actually do.
Why is the M5 Ltd downtown weekday morning service so poor? At my stop, there are 3 buses on the schedule (I know, fool’s paradise) from 7:00AM-7:31AM. The first comes early the last two late. Very often after waiting 15-20 minutes, one ambles down Broadway with “Next Bus Please” and usually according to the MTA bus app the next one is 10-15 minutes behind. For this they are charging us more money?
I know that the Old Metro theatre on Broadway between 99 and 100 has landmark status but come on – it’s been empty like 15 years give or take and its a complete eyesore. It’s getting old and not much of a landmark. They need to get rid of it enough already.
Yes, that’s one of the problems with landmark status. No progress.
I’ve been in contact with the Landmarks Commission to complain. There’s something called “Demolition by Neglect,” which is illegal, but which owners of landmarks sometimes do for all sorts of reason. The Metro is on their radar screen but the more neighbors who complain, the better. Please file a complaint form or call! https://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/violation/violation.shtml
why ? still looks better then the new luxury bldg next to it.
better to have it re-opened in 20 years then soulless high income residential bldg with a bank
Second !! totally agree Kaz.. We need the Metro Theatre. The buidling connected to it and the other one across the street with the Urban Outfitters at it’s base make me sick. so out of place , so mundane
Agreed, it is an eyesore and has been so for too long.
I was really hoping that Alamo Drafthouse/Cinema was going to take it over…but apparently all the development BS was too much even for them.
I second the comment made by Gretchen about returning the 104 bus to its former route extending across 42nd Street. It served us well for decades and made many connections possible.
Secondly, why did they change the last stop on the 86th Street crosstown bus from West End and 87th Street? The front of the busses still say the destination is West End Avenue, but it isn’t.
Thanks for this forum.
It seems like every restaurant and bar on the UWS drags greasy garbage to the corner each night, leaving a buildup of grease and dirt yards away from the establishment. With often two restaurants on one street, the sidewalk becomes filthy. Apparently owners don’t see this or don’t care about anything other than their facility. Yet they’ll create an outdoor cafe each morning on a disgustingly dirty sidewalk. Why isn’t there a law (written or unwritten) which mandates scrubbing down with a scrub broom and soapy water to keep their sidewalk clean.
The Chipotle on 110th st is the WORST with this. At least once every couple of weeks they break bags when they throw out for the night and all the empty avocado shells get strewn all over the street. It is a mess. There should be a requirement that restaurants have to wash down their frontages.
Any word on what’s happening at 206 and 208 West 95th Street? They’re both empty and rumor has it a highrise will be built on the site.
I want to include all of us who live in Clinton which is the break between Hells Kitchen and the Upper West Side. There are not many stories near Columbus Circle which is technically the UWS and currently going through a lot of changes.
Second, I understand that the scaffolding is always up because of the companies that own them. They do not have storage units for the scaffolding therefore they stay up until another project needs them. I am sure it is illegal, but no one seems to be enforcing this problem!
you could not be more wrong about the scaffold situation! first off as someone mentioned they are required by the LAW to prevent accidents when there is work on the exterior of the buildings, which includes inspections that are done on a regular basis – another LAW to prevent things like bricks falling on people. I’m sure that you would rather not have that happen, but hey everyone has an opinion.
The building rents the scaffolding, so there is no reason whatsoever to leave it up any longer than necessary. There was a case a while back in midtown where a building owner had advertisements on the scaffolding and was making serious $, but that’s not the case up here.
I think you misunderstood me as I was not attacking the reason for the scaffolding rather the length of time (even months after all construction is finished) where it is still up. I understand the laws of exterior inspections every few years as I live in a co-op and need scaffolding for that reason. They are just not prompt in removing the scaffolding as the companies do not have enough storage so they will not remove it until it can be taken to another location
Why don’t restaurants and bars clean their sidewalks with a scrub brush and soapy water after they drag their greasy garbage to the street? . Many set up outdoor cafes on the dirt — clearly no one looks at where they’re eating. During the summer, the sidewalks smell and are unsightly (actually disgusting). There should be a mandate to scrub their sidewalk when they dirty it.
What happens to the trees when the soapy water, detergent, ammonia, etc. runs off into their little patch of soil?
It depends on the cleaning agents used and how the water is applied to the trees or other plants by the runoff:
“Greywater (also spelled graywater) or sullage is defined as all wastewater streams generated from households or office buildings except for the wastewater from toilets. Sources of greywater include for example sinks, showers, baths, clothes washing machines or dish washers. As greywater contains many fewer pathogens than domestic wastewater, it is easier to treat and to recycle onsite for uses such as toilet flushing, landscape irrigation or even irrigation of crops.”
“Most greywater should be assumed to have some blackwater-type components, including pathogens. Greywater should be applied below the surface where possible (e.g., via drip line on top of the soil, under mulch; or in mulch-filled trenches) and not sprayed, as there is a danger of inhaling the water as an aerosol.
In any greywater system, it is important to avoid toxic materials such as bleaches, bath salts, artificial dyes, chlorine-based cleansers, strong acids/alkali, solvents, and products containing boron, which is toxic to plants at high levels. Most cleaning agents contain sodium salts, which can cause excessive soil alkalinity, inhibit seed germination, and destroy the structure of soils by dispersing clay. Soils watered with greywater systems can be amended with gypsum (calcium sulfate) to reduce pH. Cleaning products containing ammonia are safe to use, as plants can use it to obtain nitrogen.[2] A 2010 study of greywater irrigation found no major health effects on plants, and suggests sodium buildup is largely dependent on the degree to which greywater migrates vertically through the soil.
Some greywater may be applied directly from the sink to the garden or container field, receiving further treatment from soil life and plant roots.”
Does anyone know of any community theater groups on the UWS? There are a few on the East Side but none over here on the West Side. It may be interesting to see if there is enough interest to start one.
Does anyone find it unusual that after 5-6 years, Lincoln Square still has empty storefronts (on both Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues)? Does Winick have incentive to keep the stores empty so it can claim tax losses?
What businesses would you like to see there? Personally, I’d love to have another Patsy’s and/or a diner (which is not owned by the same folks that serve mediocre food at Metro, Manhattan and City Diners).
Also, if there must be a big box/chain store, why not The Container Store?
Share your thoughts.
I am an UWS business owner and have had THE WORST time dealing with Winick. I tried, on several occasions, to see some of the properties that they have listed and was met with nothing but rudeness and disrespect. On one occasion, I had an appointment to see one of their spaces and the broker conveniently “forgot” the keys to the space but “just happened” to have the keys to a space different from the one I wanted to view. I don’t know what Winick’s deal is as a lot of their exclusive listings have gone unrented for quite some time now. You’d think the building owners would eventually get tired of having an empty space and hire someone more competent to handle their real estate listings. Really a shame to see all these empty store fronts just sitting around while more and more fellow small business get priced out of their locations.
It should be illegal to get a tax break on something so valuable. It not like they couldn’t find someone to rent.
Any idea why there’s no parking on 84th between Amsterdam and Columbus this Saturday?
School fair at PS 9
It’s the PS9 Spring Fair from 11-4.
One of the basic tenets of democracy is that the people living under it will be responsible. So people weren’t responsible enough to clean up after their dogs, so a law was written. I would much prefer that the police watch for crimes that are violent or dangerous, than give tickets for people who don’t pick up their poop. That being said—–why can’t people pick up the poop without it being a law!!!!!!! It’s common courtesy—-and it shouldn’t have to be a law!!! PICK IT UP!!!
seems like there are so many more pigeons these days. And it appears that someone is feeding them at different places around the neighborhood. I have seen bird feed out at the park at 88th and Riverside, 87th and West End, 90th and West End – and other places too. I don’t know if this is legal but it should be discouraged.
and while I am at it, I love having all the dogs in neighborhood as they bring such a cute presence with them. But whatever happened to curbing your dog?? Since when is it acceptable to just leave it in middle of the sidewalk where everyone has to walk – even if you do clean it up it is still very noticeable. Maybe they should bring those signs back. How about a little consideration for all of your human neighbors that have to walk those sidewalks? thank you.
I agree that dogs make the neighborhood more friendly and many conversations are started that way. Many kids come up to me to pet my dog because they don’t have one of their own. And I’ve met people that I’ve become friends with. But as a dog owner and part-time dog walker I hate hearing about the number of dog owners who don’t pick up after their dogs. I thinks it’s not only disgusting but so inconsiderate of your neighbors.
When I see it I try to offer a bag to give them a chance to do the right thing, even though you should carry your own. But I’ve had people tell me to mind my own business, ignore me or even curse at me. As a dog owner it makes us look bad. Many of us are diligent about cleaning up. To those who are guilty of this, stop being lazy and start giving a damn about your neighborhood. It’s the law!!!
and finally – when scaffolding goes up then even when it rains the area under the scaffolding never gets clean from dog use and etc. Some buildings with doormen will spray it down but if the building is under construction shouldn’t the owners still be obligated to keep the sidewalks clean?
I agree completely about the disgusting grease and food stains on the sidewalks. It’s Gross. I have seen them cleaning the streets but it needs a POWER WASH. Aside from restaurants, a lot of residential buildings never clean after the garbage pick ups occur. The City should start giving out tickets. The City recently gave a lot of tickets to buildings that did not comply with the recyclable law. The City just seems more filthy then I remember in recent years.
Wondering why outdoor cafes are permitted to take up so much space on avenues with narrow sidewalks?
For example, the sidewalks on Amsterdam Avenue are narrow. Between 79th and 83rd especally there are numerous restaurants with outdoor cafes that really extend onto the sidewalk. Between the extended outdor cafe seating plus bicycle racks at curbside, there is no place to walk. When the weather gets warm it is so congested that people are actually “waiting on line” just to walk on the sidewalk.
Why not smaller areas for outdoor cafes on narrow avenues/sidewalks?
Wait until the Citi bikes come on the sidewalks. I think it will be a disaster. With the delivery men and the bike riders already on the streets there is no room to even walk with dodging the baby carriages and all the tourists looking up not to even mention all the people with their heads buried in their phones. Can’t wait to hear about the accidents that will occur and who’s to blame.
What irritates me is the growing amount of graffiti. When I moved here two years ago, there was virtually none, and now it is very apparent. Nothing screams the beginning of decay quite like numerous graffiti! Awhile back, the WSR ran a piece about the 24th precinct accepting donations of paint, etc. When I contacted them, a very nice officer responded and informed me that he was running low of supplies. It strikes me in a very odd fashion that there is no designated dept to take care of graffiti. When I lived in another large city, if any graffiti appeared, it was promptly dealt with by a designated team. I feel that it is very odd that the largest city in the US does not have the same. If you want the upper west side to be nice, it has to look nice!
You can call 311 and complain about graffiti- if it’s something that can be painted over, they’ll send someone out to do it. Eventually.
There is more graffiti than other places in the country because it is native to this city. The Upper West Side played a pivotal role in developing this tradition and continues this tradition by displaying a healthy amount letting everyone know what city this is: New York. For more history: https://www.rtwplanet.com/history-of-rtw.html
And there you have it, folks. As long as there are voices not only defending the vandalism but actually proclaiming it to be “art”, the rest of us will continue to be subject to the arrogance of having our city marked up and defaced.
And besides, we all know that, before these street hoodlums started scrawling garbage everywhere, New York City just wasn’t New York City, right?
Maybe we should get all these big box stores to donate supplies.
Why does the homeless guy who wanders up and down the west side of Broadway in the low 80s always have to urinate when I am walking by, and particularly when I am walking by with my kids. I know there are bigger problems in the city, but this guy is a real nuisance.
We don’t seem to have cops walking a beat or showing a presence on the UWS until something very bad happens. We can’t get 2 to 4 ccps daily walking a beat for example near the 96th St & Broadway station and neighboring community where lotss of loitering, homeless, traffic, accidents and more increases daily? Come on NYPD. Time for community policing in our community to improve and protect our UWS.
Thinking about it, it’s been years since I’ve seen a cop walking a beat in the 24th Pct. And very few auxiliaries these days too.
If you want to see cops come to the NY Philharmonic in Central Park this summer. Its a great annual event all New Yorkers can enjoy except for bike riders. Don’t mind the people talking during the concert, but the light pollution created by all the cell phones and camera flashes of people taking selfies at the event really interfering with the fireworks, it makes star gazing and smoking a joint in the dark very difficult. Hope to see you all there this summer.
You are right. SInce I have lived here in Lincoln Sq. I have never, ever seen a cop walking the ‘beat’. EVER. I have seen them gathered around watching the crowd at fashion week. I have seen them speed down the bike lane in a car, and make u-turns on 72nd, and make rights on reds.
I agree with the comment that firetrucks and ambulances are incredibly too loud. The sirens, horns, and synthesizers must be 140 decibels at the source. Repeated exposure to this will severely damage the hearing of the firefighters. It is like “boys with toys”–always there are new sounds for them to show off, and they run this noise even when returning to the firehouse at Amsterdam & 66th St. It is a serious degradation of our quality of life. People are awakened in the middle of the night, often repeatedly, by sirens and horns. If there is heavy traffic it can take an agonizing 2 minutes for a shrieking firetruck to travel one block. The real solution is to plan and engineer traffic movement to reduce congestion, but that has proved to be vastly beyond the limited ability of our elected officials and civil servants.
What a beautiful and glorious day today on the UWS. What a great time to be alive and enjoying the moment.
Sorry Vince but this comment is way out of bounds with his thread. Only complaints and general bitching are allowed. No positive comments or general statements about how nice things are. That’s out of character with the UWS.
just overving that theguy in the pink shirt in the photo for this post is vaguely reminiscent of Jack Nicholson…
darn autocorrect!
My wife and I live on West 95th (bet. CPW and Columbus. We have heard that Citi Bike is coming to Columbus between 94th-95. Any news? We are all very worried but in the dark still re: a replacement for Food City or what is Lefrak planning for that location. Another giant apartment building to block the sun and create noise? Please share your knowledge. I am trying to received Westside Rag re: e mail with no luck. Much thanks, Ian Mackler
Does anyone else feel that the UWS ( indeed the whole city) is getting dirtier? Less street cleaning? Less vigilance by residents and shop keepers? Ugh.
Very much agreed. There is an ever present amount of trash on the streets and sidewalks.
Totally agree. Upper West Side very dirty. Especially w72nd street.
Le Pain Quotidian 72nd between Columbus and CPW – I believe someone put a credit card skimmer on this place. I had been stopping by each morning for a coffee/muffin paying with my card and last week got a fraud alert.
Destroyed the compromised card and used my ‘back up’ card that I do not use unless of emergencies. Only place I went was to that same Le Pain and got a fraud alert that night. Going to file a police report but beware.
What happened to the statue of the Seeing Eye Dog that was located on the west side of the new entrance to the 72nd Street subway entrance.
It was a wonderful tribute to all the dogs that have been trained in this area.
I think someone or a few people uprooted him or her and put it in Central Park. Or at least that’s what I heard. I loved that sculpture at the subway station!