Reflections Upon Gentrification: #1 Of The Greenpoint 10

All too often as I sit at this computer and listen to the bang banging of Magic Johnson’s silver hammers I find myself worrying about my neighborhood’s future:

Will the developers succeed turning the glory that is Greenpoint into yet another bland affluent ghetto?

Twenty years from now will I find myself explaining to my own children, or more likely SOMEONE ELSE’S children, that there was a time when The Garden Spot on the Universe not only did not suck, but had personality? I certainly hope not.

The previous are both very good questions. And today I found a glimmer of hope that the character of our neighborhood— or more accurately the characters who reside therein— are quite alive and well.

Never seen male pattern baldness paired with pigtails, you say? Come on down to Manhattan Avenue. We got it. Take that gentrification!

What’s more, we don’t need any tony, overpriced Bedford Avenue boutiques telling us how to dress. We can coordinate our jackets, sweat pants, mini skirts, purses and hairdos just fine on our own, thank you very much.

Viva La Punta Verde!

Miss Heather

UPDATE, 4:52 p.m.: I have since learned this person is quite the fashion plate. G-Point writes:

This man lives but a few doors down from me. Just last week, while waiting for the B61 bus, my husband and I saw him in front of Lite Bites wearing – I kid you not – a Catholic schoolgirl-style plaid skirt and black tights. A couple of years ago, we saw him emerge from his apartment to take the garbage out in NOTHING BUT GRANNY UNDERWEAR.

God I love Greenpoint!

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Lorimer Street

It would appear that McCarren Park has been graced with a new piece of signage. The handy visual aide really helps to drive the point home. He even has a beer gut!

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: The Franklin Corner Store

Yesterday I had the hankering for a sandwich. Not just any sandwich, but the “New Mexico” as only served up by the Franklin Corner guys. As I was waiting I found this latest morsel of commentary on their bulletin board.

I have no idea who posted this item, but I like him (or her).

Miss Heather

City of Lost Clothes (or Greenpoint’s Merry Piper)

A couple weeks ago Mr. Heather and I were waiting — and waiting— for the G train at Bedford Nostrand. The reason for this inconvenience was the mighty Crosstown local elected to run in two sections. Luckily, we struck up a conversation with the Conductor during our wait. He was a very funny guy, and as you can imagine, he had a number of of very interesting stories to tell. This one is my personal favorite

So our Conductor is charged with driving the E train to the World Trade Center. As he heads to his booth, he notices a rather intoxicated gentleman nodding off. He advises this besotted gentleman against falling asleep because someone might try to pick his pocket. His caveat having been said, he commenced with his work. When the train finally reached its destination the Conductor checked in on this chap again. Someone had stolen all of his clothing save an undershirt and boxer shorts. They also took the liberty of removing his hat, placing it on the floor and spitting in it.

I mention this above story because it sort of reminds me of this tale from the September 21, 1898 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Except instead of pants and shirts a set bag pipes and a kilt were among the numerous items purloined. Enjoy!

This story makes one wonder why someone would want to steal— much less wear— a full Highland get-up. But then again this is Greenpoint and if a man wants to wear full the garb of a Scotsman its no one’s business but his own. Unless, of course, he happens to steal it. In which case the local constabulary will get involved.

Miss Heather

P.S.: Speaking of lost clothing, be sure to check out this post on Bed-Stuy Banana. It’s hilarious.

Good Times At 95 Clay Street

I do not know how many of you, dear readers, bother to read the Greenpoint Courier. I would hazard to guess very few of you do. This is understandable given much of its rabidly right wing content. You should not, however, throw the baby out the with bath water. There is one reporter under their employ who has been doing some fantastic work; his name is Matt Wolfe and follows is a story from this week’s edition about 95 Clay Street. This tale of slumlordery has a little something for everybody: no Superintendent, holes in ceilings, water in the basements, hallways filled with clutter… and a brand new apartment building being built behind it without any permits whatsoever. Enjoy!

I can hardly wait to see who is going to want to rent an apartment whose only means of egress is through another building’s basement. I am no expert, but wouldn’t this be a violation of fire code or something?

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Photos du Jour: Mordred’s New Hoodie

Today I had the honor of bumping into one of Greenpoint’s most stylish citizens: none other than Miss Mordred (of Greenpoint Ten renown) herself! She was looking sharp as always and was kind enough to model her new hoodie for me.

With a little “help” from her “person” of course.

She didn’t seem to be very into the whole fauxhawk look.

Or having her picture taken for that matter. Smart girl.

Does this rear pocket make my butt look big?

Miss Heather