By Carol Tannenhauser
Say what you will about this city and its administration, the response to the water main break that flooded Broadway between 61st and 65th Streets on Monday morning was “impressive,” according to Monica Blum, president of the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District (BID) — especially given the amount of damage inflicted by 500,000 gallons of rushing water.
It wasn’t technically a natural disaster, but it was a New York City version of one. Subways and businesses were closed, residences were without heat or water, below-ground facilities were ravaged — most severely, the auditorium of the New York Institute of Technology. Four days later, there is a sense, if not of normalcy, of industry and efficiency. A spokesperson from NYC Emergency Management told WSR they are currently cleaning the affected stretch of Broadway, and a southbound lane will be re-opened to vehicular traffic “later this evening.”
But still, five area businesses remain closed: TD Ameritrade, TD Bank, New York Sports Club, AAA, and Melissa’s Gourmet. 62nd Street between Columbus and Broadway is also still closed. On the positive side, four other businesses got their doors back open: TKTS Lincoln Center (enter on Columbus), Duane Reade, Starbucks, and Rosa Mexicano (although the esteemed Mexican restaurant was reported by Blum to have lost its tequila and beer-on-tap device, which were stored in the basement and submerged. The restaurant didn’t put a manager on the line when we called to confirm.)
i said this before, but i hope this doesn’t delay our new Target even more!
I was super impressed with how quickly the subways were back up on Monday. And the buses being diverted was short lived. I don’t know who handles these clean ups, but a big thank you to everyone involved!
Does anyone know if the dry cleaners on the north side of the street (next door to Rosa) is OK/open for business?
yes the dry cleaner is open. and to the comment re response, it was really impressive to see how all the city agencies, coordinated by OEM, worked together to restore services to the area.
The NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) (formerly New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM)) was originally formed in 1996 as part of the Mayor’s Office under Rudolph W. Giuliani. While some might not like the guy, he did the City of New York right by creating a safe atmosphere. He is still missed by some of us old timers!