Martin Collins, community liaison to Assembly Member Adriano Espailla, writes that the Manhattan Borough President’s Office is now accepting applications for Community Board 12 appointments. The application is due by January 15, 2010. You can call (212) 669-8300 with questions or visit the Manhattan Borough President's page for a full run down on serving on a community board or download the PDF version of the application.
This cropping of abandoned and burned down boat clubs along Sherman Creek close to the Harlem River, evoked feelings of oceanic travels from a time long passed.According to a volunteer at the Sherman Creek Park beside this site, the Parks Department and New York Restoration Project are in discussions as to who can work on this plot of land. Considering the state of the area, it's a big responsibility to lay claim to the land. Who knows what is under all that debris.
Inwood has always reminded me of the sea. Maybe it is the smell of the salt marsh in Inwood Hill Park.
Walking along the ruins of the boat house with its shingles and wood frame I could almost hear the laughs and songs of captains and their mates.
Peaking inside for a closer look I saw a mantle on its side, perhaps they leaned there to sing their songs?
Though this house was likely most recently used for less wholesome fare than a song and a pint...
The Cutty Sark whistles and sings "Dear dirty London in the pouring rain, I wish to god I was back in the sea again."
"Though that belongs to the world of never will be, there was never a wilder bastard than me on the sea."
The rules of the sea are not so different from that on the land.
The buildings burned earlier this year and the firemen put them out,
but when all was said and done, who will remember the boat clubs?
Remnants lie like a limp body, craining out into the sun.
Trying to see what is real, what they can.
A belly exposed.
A face twisted and made hard from years of neglect.
This area of Inwood is not of this time.
The Bronx is across the water, none the wiser of this wasteland.
And down the river, a whole new world lies in wait.
Iconic New York Cares coat drive image.
So far it has been a mild autumn, but winter is around the corner and that means snow and cold weather. New York Cares, the nonprofit group that organizes a coat drive every December, has announced drop off locations throughout New York City with three locations in Inwood and Washington Heights.
Visit the New York Cares site for more information on how you can help this December, or just drop off a coat at the locations listed below or check out this Google Map for other spots throughout the five boroughs. Remember, that coat can make a real difference in someone's life this winter.
Above the Bridge "Writers Cafe" hosts its December event this Monday, featuring an evening of readings on the topic of "closure," written by a group of Northern Manhattanites from Washington Heights and Inwood.
Monday, December 7 at 8:00pm
The Red Room Lounge
Which is the Inwood you know and love? Could it be both? (Photo credit: Left: G. Paul Burnett, Right: Suzanne DeChillo)
Perhaps it's impossible to truly know a neighborhood if you do not live there. Over the past few years, The New York Times has tried to get to know our dynamic and interesting neighborhood, always getting some parts right and some wrong. The past two larger-scale features about the area have had a slant that some perceive left out a portion of the neighborhood, through East of Broadway/ West of Broadway, Hispanic/ Non-Hispanic or Monied/ Non-Monied myopia.
In February, many complained that Gregory Beyer's Real Estate section article "Northern Zone, South-of-the-Border Flavor" was too "East of Broadway" focused, what I believe is a euphemism for less wealthy and more Hispanic. Although the photo essay that accompanied the article does feature the Inwood community east of Broadway more prominently, a close read of the article highlights Inwood Hill Park and Park Terrace Gardens as well as Inwood's "Dominican restaurants, bodegas and beauty parlors [that] line 10th Avenue beneath the green elevated rails of the No. 1 train." The article also speaks to the Dominican and mulit-national Hispanic communities in the area as well as presumably non-Hispanic people who have chosen to make this area their home.
Today's article by Elisa Mala, "One Foot in the Past," written for the New York Times somewhat new Metropolitan section (used to be the City section) is meant to be less comprehensive in nature and takes readers on a six-hour-tour of the area. And yes, for the most part, Ms. Mala (the significance of the surname's Spanish meaning is not lost on me) stays west of Broadway and not once mentions the Dominican or mulit-national Hispanic communities who call Inwood home.
A lot is lost in that omission.
Granted, most Inwood residents are excited when the Grey Lady casts its eyes north of 155th Street, but one is left to wonder if there is no manner in which our dynamic neighborhood can get its fair coverage in the paper of record.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We spent the day surrounded by family and friends and are left feeling pretty grateful for all as we sit on the couch in our post turkey glow.
One year ago today I decided to begin this blog as a way to report on what I saw and experienced in Northern Manhattan. I wanted an outlet for my writing, photography and general need to know everything that is going on. Much more than an outlet, this has turned out to be an amazing way for me to get to know so many of you and learn about the nuances of life above 155th Street. Thank you for that opportunity.
One year later, I hope to focus more on my writing and photography and keep learning more about Upper Manhattan, with the caveat that I will not be able to keep up on every turn and change in Inwood and Washington Heights
In the next weeks I will continue to try to find the right balance here and hope you will stick around and enjoy the ride. Thanks to all of you for coming to this site regularly and Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
After more than five months of repairs stemming from a massive fire, Inwood's newly named Dollar Tower discount store reopened on West 207th Street, between Broadway and Vermilyea. The store's grand reopening took place on Friday, November 20, and the store was busy through the weekend.
Although the store front has a new awning and name (the store was previously called The 99 Cent Zone)...
...and the cashiers are now on the left of the store instead of the
right, the inside of the store is nearly identical to its
pre-incendiary space.
They even kept the leaky piping toward the rear of the store.
But I've jumped ahead, the store now carries a wider array of foods...
...spices...
...my favorite hot sauce, Frank's Red Hot...
...perfect tiny holders for cupcake party treats...
...and toys to play with at that party.
They are even now carrying my personal favorite, the "I Love New Yelk" mugs.
34th Precinct Community Council Meeting
Wednesday November 18, 2009
7:00 p.m.
Deputy Inspector Capul; commanding officer of the 34th Precinct, is eager to hear your issues and concerns to ensure quality of life continues to improve and crime remains down.
Also, support for the 34th Precinct Community Council Turkey Drive, a drive for low-income families in Washington Heights & Inwood. To donate please visit www.34precinct.org and click on the "Donate" button. You can also bring your contribution with you to Wedensday's Precinct Council Meeting.
The Council will also soon set up shop to collect toys for its annual 34th Precinct Holiday Party. To contribute please contact George Espinal for additional information.
George Espinal
President
34th Precinct Community Council
4295 Broadway
New York, NY 10033
President@34Precinct.org
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