Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Exploding Manhole & A Shooting On Bedford Avenue?
A fellow we’ll call “G” writes:
About 9:15 Outside the Lucky Dog… Firefighter said a transformer blew and the flames shot out a manhole cover, hit the bottom of a BMW. Guy who hangs out at the barber shop on S. 2nd says it’s his friend’s, wasn’t fully insured… hope Con Ed or National Grid are on the hook.
The locals helped redirect traffic until the firefighters and cops got there, and the poor drunk hipsters at the Lucky Dog were locked inside for an hour before the firefighters cleared them out.
While we’re on the subject of Bedford Avenue, there was apparently a shooting in the wee hours on North 9th Street just west on Bedford Avenue (THINK: behind Kasia’s). Accounts vary as to whether the victim survived or not. If/when I get more details I’ll post them here. Otherwise, if you have the 411 as to what happened please shoot me an email at: missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com. Your identity will remain anonymous if you so desire. Thanks!
UPDATE, July 30, 2012: I have received word that Consolidated Edison is going to compensate bicycle owners whose rides were destroyed as a result of this incident. This is a good first step. Nonetheless, I hope they conduct a thorough investigation into exactly what happened and will share their findings with the public.
UPDATE, 10:14 p.m.: you can read the New York Daily News’s take on what happened by clicking here. The good (?) news: while listed in critical condition, the victim is expected to pull through.
UPDATE, 3:41 p.m.: Here’s another account of the fire in front of Lucky Dog.
Lest I have not made this clear: When I post missives from my inbox— especially when it involves an eyewitness of an event— I pretty much leave them “as is”. Their content/wording does not (and in fact, often) does not reflect my personal views of the subject at hand. I was not present when the manhole explosion occurred and by all accounts it sounds pretty terrifying— especially for those who had to wait on the premises of the Lucky Dog for over an hour until our Bravest got matters under control.
Do I necessarily like “G’s” how “G” relayed this event? No, not really. However, that was what I was sent and I opted to leave his/her words in intact. Perhaps this was mistake on my part? I am always open to reader feedback— but having someone wish I die of AIDS? Methinks this is going a bit too far. What’s more, it is against the law.
No Manhole Left Behind: Reader Contribution du Jour
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
This specimen comes courtesy of Jay (of Dog Habitat renown). He writes:
So many of these. I’ll start an album of missing covers just in the neighborhood around mcgolrick park. This one is from your side of town. You probably noticed it already.
Actually I had not. Ironically enough, today yours truly sojourned around McGolrick Park in search of plundered manholes. I did not come away disappointed. In fact I continued my journey and ended up getting a little more than I had bargained for. Emphasis on the word “little”— but that is the subject of another post!
New York Shitty Manhole Watch: 11/04/2011
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
You know what they say: everyone needs a hobby. The epidemic of manhole plundering in my fair burgh has become mine. This phenomenon– and the commentary/observations I have received about it— have summoned my inner “Nancy Drew”. Today she and I went out to play. However, we had a plan. It was as follows:
1. Having received a tip that Commercial Street has been divested of its street/sidewalk covers, it would be on the itinerary.
2. Having observed that these thefts appear to be centered in north Greenpoint, a more thorough exploration of this area would be made.
3. Noting that thefts seem to be happening in relatively secluded areas, a trek down West Street was in order.
Follows are my findings. Enjoy!
65 Commercial Street (in front of the Access-A-Ride parking lot)
Commercial Street at Clay Street
Dupont Street, across Barge Park Playground
West Street, between Freeman and Green Street
Java Street at West Street
A triple header!
West At Calyer Street
Total number of manholes plundered: 8.
Thoughts/observations:
1. All in all, it was a pretty a disappointing foray (making Juan ‘s acquaintance aside, of course). However—
2. I did notice that the recent paving and milling on Commercial Street (an example of which can be seen to the left) might actually help prevent theft of these covers. If they cannot be seen, they cannot be stolen!
3. Similarly, the rather shoddy condition of West Street has also precluded cover theft. Most were so covered with ages old asphalt they were rendered a like so many flies in amber. Fossils. My prognostication is as follows: when West Street gets its purported makeover (and presuming these covers are refurbished in the process) we’ll see more thefts there.
4. I failed to account for the area covered being a rather popular area for parking. Thus is it very likely I missed a few missing covers. Conclusion: another sortee is in order. Preferably on a weekend.
5. While not a street/sidewalk cover per se I do have to wonder if this item from Eagle Street (as seen to the right) was commandeered for scrap.
6. I simply cannot keep on top of all these manholes by myself. Thus I implore you, gentle readers, to photograph any missing street/sidewalk covers you may encounter and email them to me at: missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com. Be sure to note the location in the subject line.
Let us leave no manhole behind, North Brooklynites!
NYS Flickr Pool
You must be logged in to post a comment.