The Streets Where We Live

What I'm Looking At -- More or Less Related to our Hoods, or not.

Image via Time Out

Seaman-Drake arch for rent in Inwood. I hope someone finally takes care of that treasure. (Manhattan Times, now coming out on Wednesdays, not Fridays)

Restaurant robbing bandits hit several local restaurants in Inwood and Washington Heights last week, reportedly making off with money, alcohol and a safe. (ABC and WPIX)

Ronald Tackman, an escaped prisoner was caught in Washington Heights. He was to be arraigned on charges of armed robbery in Manhattan and Queens when he dodged the police. Tackman was arrested as he stepped off a Northern Manhattan city bus. 

IS 143 is one of 15 schools nationwide that tested positive for levels of "acrolein -- an organic compound that can exacerbate asthma and irritate the eyes and throat." Apparently toxic levels of acrolen were used as a chemical weapon during World War 1. Apparently the chemical is also "comes from burning gasoline, burning wood, and burning cigarettes." (USA Today and CBS 2)

One of the plus sides about living in Inwood and owning a dog is the amount of parks in the area, but you knew that already, didn't you? (NY Times)

The 2010 Census will not include a Dominican option to check when listing ethnic background. This article discusses the impact that decision may have on Dominican communities. As the Puerto Rican community declines its numbers in New York City, how much sense does it make to not include one of the largest thriving Latino communities? 

Read more about the effect the 2010Census may have on the Northern Manhattan community. (Manhattan Times)

First Thursday Returns This Week: “Bennett and Broadway”

“Bennett and Broadway”

October 1, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. 

 After a long hiatus, First Thursday Strolls will return this Thursday, October 1.

The free guided tours explore where arts, business and culture mingle in Northern Manhattan and are collaboration between the Manhattan Times and the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance.

Meet artists, business owners, residents, and other like-minded folks as we explore what’s happening in Washington Heights and Inwood. First Thursday Strolls are an outgrowth of the Uptown Arts Stroll, and sponsored by the Manhattan Times and Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance.

Thu., Oct. 1 itinerary:

1. At 7pm, meet at the Cornerstone Center, 178 Bennett Avenue, 3rd Floor, for an intimate look at the new exhibit ¡Aquí! (Here) in the newly expanded NoMAA gallery. The work by local Latino artists depicts their creative experiences within our neighborhoods.

 2. Around 8pm the group will stroll north to Locksmith Wine Bar at 4463 Broadway, one of the neighborhood’s newer nightspots. This month’s Stroll will be led by Rafael Gomez-Luna.

 Please RSVP to Rafael@manhattantimesnews. com or 212-569-5800.

Primary 2009: All the Information You Need to Vote on Tuesday, September 15

Primary election day is just around the corner on Tuesday, September 15. In case you still don't know who to vote for, let alone who is running, several publications, articles and sites can help guide your decision. To begin with, by now you should have received the 2009 Primary Voting Guide (pictured above). This bilingual guide (one is written in English, the other in Spanish features technical information about how, where and when to vote along with short biographies submitted by each candidate.

In addition, for Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill residents, the Manhattan Times published a comprehensive article on the candidates for the 7th and 10th City Council Districts in this week's paper and features a collection of its election-related articles dating back through the summer. 

And although last night's televised debate (MNN, channel 34) for District 10 had a very small turnout, only Richard Realmuto and Cleofis Sarete participated, you can view the debate in two parts here and here. (Thanks to my favorite Night Watchman for recording and posting the debate.)

Manhattan Times Neighborhood Blogwatch, The Best of Inwood and Washington Heights Web Coverage

Neighborhood Blogwatch

by Carla Zanoni

The Inwood Chronicles and other NYC musings

inwoodchronicals.blogspot.com

Runnin’ Around Uptown:

Photos and Happenings in Northern Manhattan Including Washington/Hudson Heights and Inwood

runninarounduptown.blogspot.com

Washington Tykes

Devoted to the dogs of Washington Heights and their people, centered around The Rocky Run, located at W. 165th St. and Riverside Drive, as well as Offleash Hours activities down in Fort Washington Park. Washington Tykes doubles as a soapbox for my scattered musings on the relationship between canines and humans - the good, the bad, and the fugly.

washingtontykes.blogspot.com

(I will post a PDF of the blogwatch as soon as it becomes available. To read the synopses of each blog and local news, go to The Manhattan Times Web site.)

City Council Member Miguel Martinez Resigns

The City Council Member in, ostensibly, better times. (Image: City Council Watch)

With a one-line letter of resignation, City Council Member Miguel Martinez resigned today, reports The New York Times City Room. 

“Dear Speaker Quinn,” Mr. Martinez’s letter began, addressing City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Effective today, July 14, 2009, I am submitting my resignation to the New York City Council.”

The now former-Council Member is stepping down amidst a flurry of scandal, investigations, and now news of federal charges slated to be enacted tomorrow. The Daily News is reporting that Martinez will plead guilty to the charges, which as of now remain a mystery. 

The Manhattan Times broke the story earlier today. 

Martinez resignation official; remaining District 10 candidates jockey for position

Martinez tendered his resignation today for what sources say is a deal with federal prosecutors to avoid jail time for financial wrong doing. No details about what that might be have been publicly released. Martinez' role in the Council's so called "Slush Fund Scandal" from 2008 included earmarking over $400,000 to a local nonprofit he was closely connected with.
With the resignation, attention turns to what is to become of Martinez' petitions to run for City Council, which sources say he handed in Mon., July 13. A committee of vacancy has been formed to determine what to do with the signatures: decline them or declare a substitute candidate.

Manhattan Times Neighborhood Blogwatch, The Best of Inwood and Washington Heights Web Coverage

Save your eyes and read up on other interesting Northern Manhattan news on The Manhattan Times Online. 

Save your eyes and read up on other interesting Northern Manhattan news on The Manhattan Times Online. 

34th Precinct Says July 4th Holiday Was "Quiestest" in Recent History

Do you agree with this? Let your thoughts be known here.

Image from The Manhattan Times

100 extra police officers clamp down on July 4^th noise

by Daniel P. Bader

When they were done with the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks, the police headed to Northern Manhattan. 34^th Precinct Commander Andrew Capul said that this year the traditionally noisy Fourth of July holiday was one of the quietest in recent memory.

“In years past we’d see these fireworks go on for hours,” he said. “This year, just gone, very nearly.”

Calls to 911 and 311 were down 75 percent over the holiday weekend, when compared to last year, and the streets seemed nearly empty.

Read full article on the Manhattan Times Web site.

Manhattan Times Neighborhood Blogwatch

Save your eyes and read up on other interesting Northern Manhattan news on The Manhattan Times Online. 

Save your eyes and read up on other interesting Northern Manhattan news on The Manhattan Times Online. 

Manhattan Times Neighborhood Blogwatch

Neighborhood Blogwatch

by Carla Zanoni

Doodlebug

I am Christopher King's Blog.

What You Write

*Read more about these blogs on the Manhattan Times site.

Manhattan Times Neighborhood Blogwatch

(*Caught a typo...the dog group paragraph should have ended with "...some of the best offered in Inwood and Washington Heights.")

Save your eyes and read up on other interesting Northern Manhattan news on The Manhattan Times Online.