From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part II: What’s Up At The American Playground?

A lady named Michelle writes the evening of December 12, 2010:

Hi Miss Heather,

Was walking my dog a few nights ago and we happened upon a curious notice posted at the American Playground on Franklin – right across from Word.  Seems the place has been condemned and is “imminently perilous to life.”  I’ve seen these outside gnarly looking buildings that seem like they may cave in on the squatters living in them, but any idea why American Playground has earned the notice?

Would send a picture, but I’m never out there with my phone.

Just curious.

As you can imagine I found this more than a little disturbing so this morning I headed over without delay.

Sure enough, there was a Vacate Order on the premises— but why?

When I checked the Department of Buildings database I could find no indication whatsoever such an order was issued. On a lark I then checked the Department of Buildings database regarding the adjacent property, 60 West Street*. What I found was quite interesting.

Was this the reason such an order was served? There is no way to tell conclusively (this complaint is from last year) but I would not rule it outside the realm of possibility. Especially since I have it on excellent intelligence that falling debris from this property has been an issue in the past. But I suppose for the time being we’ll have to be content to walk away from this mystery with more questions than answers. On that note, I would like to leave you with this final question.

If the American Playground has a Vacate Order in place due to “conditions imminently perilous to life”, why is it open today? Thoughts anyone?

Miss Heather

*Which, as some of you may recall, is a live poultry storage facility.