Spring cleaning at the fruit shack

March 9, 2012

The once-shanty-shack that was evicted by the NYPD has returned, with some much needed spring cleaning. Gone are the illegal kerosene containers, fruit stored on the ground, trash on the Gate House porch, and hideous tarpaulin. The new umbrellas look to be straight from the Martha Stewart catalog!

The new umbrellas of the fruit shack photo by BatteryPark.TV

The original shanty shack before BatteryPark.TV began reporting

Results: Police boot the violating fruit stand

Updated: March 6, 2012  By Steven Greer

The First Precinct NYPD noticed ongoing violations from the fruit stand. After our February 26th update, BatteryPark.TV received further complaints that the stand had reinstated their tarpaulin. The police revisited the sites, and according to a police spokesman, rather than challenge police actions, the operators have decided have to leave the neighborhood permanently.

Spot now vacated where the offensing fruit stand once stood

Updated: February 26, 2012

The once-sprawling, out of control, shanty shack on Albany and South End is now a health-department-compliant fruit stand. As a result of the community affairs department of the First Precinct making visits to the site in response to BatteryPark.TV stories, the eyesore was promptly reduced to a smaller footprint. But the operators were stubbornly holding out with their ugly tarpaulin. After further reporting by BatteryPark.TV, the operators have capitulated and ditched the Gaudi overhead spectacle.

One of the men who staffs the fruit stand, Gokham Yazcia, told BP.TV that they have no plans of reinstalling the tarpaulin. They will use proper umbrellas only when it rains.

These results at improving the neighborhood all began with several emails to BatteryPark.TV. The BPCA (i.e. CEO Gayle Horwitz and Chairman Bill Thompson, both non-residents of BPC) and the patrolling PEPs were of no help and took no initiative.

Fruit stand now compliant, photo by BatteryPark.TV

Mr. Gokham Yazcia Photo by BatteryPark.TV

The original sprawling shanty town created by the fruit stand

Update: February 15, 2012

A local throw-away is claiming that the majority of residents love the fruit shack vendor on South End Avenue and Albany Street. Their article provides no supporting data whatsoever. Their assertion conflicts with BP.TV’s survey and anecdotal incoming email. According to our survey, 70% of the residents of BPC want the fruit shack evicted completely. In the comments section at the bottom of this story, numerous people have written strongly worded letters opposing this vendor.

This is not the first time that the Broadsheet has posted an article with an agenda of contradicting an original BatteryPark.TV story. The Broadsheet also supports Gayle Horwitz and the BPCA, seems to support an artificial turf being placed on the West Thames field, etc.

However, commentary by residents at meetings and surveys indicate that the people oppose the views of the Broadsheet. In general, the interests of the advertising-driven business model of the Broadsheet seem to create conflicts with the interests of the residents of Battery Park City. This is just one reason that BP.TV has been so well received since we launched in 2009. One person posting a comment wrote, “I find out more, and get more results, from BP.TV than anywhere else. You are looking out for the community.”

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Update: February 3, 2012

By Steven Greer, MD

BatteryPark.TV delivers results once again. The despised shanty shack that had sprung up is now transformed back into a small fruit stand. It is still illegal and stealing business from the tax-paying Hudson Produce and Gristedes, and the red gas canisters are still there, but at least the eyesore is partially gone.

The First Precinct was the cause for the results. In contrast, the property manager of the nearby ex-Gate House porch, LeFrak, did not adequately act on the matter. This is the same property manager that allows the unsanitary dog urine to accumulate on the sidewalk in front of the Chase bank on South End Ave and fails to properly spray down the sidewalk.

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Update: February 2, 2012

A viewer informed us that the First Precinct stopped by the shanty shack and gave them a warning that the fruit stand can be no larger than eight feet. They will return later. Stay tuned.

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Update: January 31, 2012

One day after our report on the 27th, the boxes disappeared. The First Precinct replied to BatteryPark.TV that they were investigating and we spoke with the building owner of the old Gate House, upon which the illegal storage is taking place.

Now, four days later, the shanty shack has returned and the boxes are once again sprawled over the old Gate House porch. Neither the Gateway Plaza building property manager nor any official from the BPCA has responded to out requests for comment.

January 27, 201

Uptown BPC has the Shake Shack. Downtown BPC’ers have the Shanty Shack. BatteryPark.TV has received several emails complaining about the growing unsightly sloppy tent at the intersection of South End Avenue and Albany. A fruit vendor is expanding onto the empty porch of the closed down Gate House. He is now storing numerous boxes of fruit on the ground, and has an ugly makeshift tarpaulin over his stand. The merchants even have a 24-hour source of electricity from a gasoline generator with fuel canisters sitting on the sidewalk. The Gateway Plaza real estate group is the nearest property owner, and is allowing the storage of the boxes on their porch.

Also, across the street is a permanent, never moving, “Mobile” pastry and coffee cart. It is a favorite spot for tour buses and trucks that park illegally for hours on Albany using the food cart as their excuse for stopping. Brookfield Properties is the nearest property owner.

The nearby Hudson Produce, a legal establishment that loses money to both sidewalk vendors, was enthusiastic when BatteryPark.TV informed them that many in the community want the fruit shack to leave.

Where is the City Department of Health when they are needed? Do they only harass restaurants and collect fees? We asked Gayle Horwitz, CEO of the BPCA, whether they or some other agency is in charge of regulating this site, and she did not reply. We are awaiting replies from the property owners, City Hall, and the First Precinct.

What do you think? Should these unauthorized food vendors be shut down and evicted or do you value their services? Please post comments in the section below. They will be helpful to the community board and others.

Take our survey here.

Update: January 28, 2012

The First precinct community affairs replied to our story and they told us that they would investigate. We noticed that already the vendor has removed the numerous boxes, and the Gate House porch is empty. However, the ugly tarpaulin remains, as does the fuel canisters. The BPCA has still not replied to our questions.

(Click images to enlarge to full screen)

The permanent "mobile" pastry and coffee cart on Albany Street and South End Avenue

At 9/11 Memorial, Police Raise Fears of Suicide

February 16, 2012

The New York times is reporting that the NYPD fear the waterfalls at the September 11th memorial will be enticing for the distraught seeking suicide. The story can be found here.

How to handle harassing town car solicitations on Vesey Street

February 10, 2012

By Steven Greer

On any given busy work day, anyone wearing business casual or a suit, trying to cross Vesey Street from the WFC to the Goldman Sachs alley, will be harassed by numerous town car drivers wanting your business. They are becoming more aggressive. Some drivers pull up and block the crosswalk by the traffic light.

All of those black town cars parked on the north and south side of Vesey are independent and not sanction by Goldman Sachs, American Express, Merrill Lynch, etc. The official Goldman Sachs town cars are on West Street side of their building. Goldman Sachs security actually tries to scare away the Vesey street cars using various tactics. American Express (AmEx) has no car line at all, and the portion of the street in front of their entrance is actually a bus stop. AmEx security told us that they greatly dislike these cars.

After BatteryPark.TV spoke with the security staff of Goldman, AmEx, and then the First Precinct, we believe that measures will be taken to reduce the town car harassment. Meanwhile, you can help by calling and reporting any egregious drivers to the TLC (718) 267-4555 (This number is more direct than 311). Also, you can call the First Precinct (212) 334-0640 and speak to Community Affairs. Leave a message if the line does not pick up.

You will make a difference. Goldman Sachs, Merrill, and AmEx have limited power to deal with this problem. It is really up to the police and TLC, and those agencies need to hear from you.

Town cars occupying the yellow taxi section of Vesey Street by Goldman Sachs

Gypsy cabs illegally soliciting fares in front of Goldman Sachs on Vesey Street

Exclusive: Man kills self falling from Rector Place window

300 rector Place where man was found on sidewalk. By Steven Greer BatteryPark.TV

February 11, 2012 (updated February 12 at 9:35 AM)

BatteryPark.TV has learned that at 5:55 AM this morning, a man named Jimmy Taso, 28 years old, somehow fell from his window and died upon impact at 300 Rector Place. The police have confirmed that. However, other details are pending as to whether this was suicide, accident, etc.

If this is adjudicated as a suicide, it would not be the first for this area. Recall, in June of 2008, one street down on South End Avenue, a 41 year old woman, Christine Parszik, leaped to her death. One month prior to that, another person leaped to their death in Battery Park City, and a third person has attempted this at 280 Rector Place but survived the short fall. According to the Wall Street Journal, “The statistics show that “jumping from high place” has been the second most used method of suicide”

Mr. Taso's glasses on the scene placed by someone as a memorial Photo by BetteryPark.TV

Update on efforts to rid BPC of illegally parked tour buses

September 29, 2011

By Steven Greer, MD

The building manager of the 2 River Terrace called BatteryPark.TV about our tour bus stories. He said that the problem of illegally parked buses on North End Avenue has significantly declined since the stories. Their staff members are calling the Battery Park Enforcement Patrol and receiving assistance now.

In addition, we witnessed an NYPD full officer (as opposed to a traffic officer with no authority to ticket moving violations) issue a ticket to a bus on Murray Street. The bus was initially asked to leave North End Avenue and then promptly illegally parked 50 yards away on Murray Street.

The officer told us that they are now patrolling the area dealing with the tour buses. He explained that the designated areas for the buses are across West Street outside of Battery Park City.

Bus ticketed by NYPD on Murray Street

A tour of the NYC Rescue Mission for the homeless

October 14, 2009

With the closure of the John Hughes shelter, the nearest homeless shelter to Battery Park City is now in Tribeca. Joe Little of the New York City Rescue Mission gives a tour of the city’s oldest homeless shelter. With the bad economy and closure of other shelters nearby, demand for meals at the Mission have increased 20%.

To volunteer or donate money, contact (212) 226-6214 or go to http://www.nycrescue.org/

Ed Koch discusses homeless and politics

October 29, 2009

In the second part of our interview with Ed Koch, he discussed the growing homeless problem in Battery Park and how it is similar to New York City in the late 70’s when he was Mayor and the City was near bankruptcy. He also discusses the upcoming NY Governor’s election.

Tour bus finally ticketed

July 27, 2011

The NYPD (not the PEP, managed by Gayle Horwitz and Tess Huxley, who are refusing to enforce illegal parking) finally began ticketing illegally parked behemoth tour buses dropping off people to visit the 9/11 Memorial. This photo was taken on West Thames Street in a city bus stop “no parking” zone.

As most BPC residents know, these privately operated tour realized long ago that thy can park anywhere in South BPC, even in bus stops, and not be ticketed. BatteryPark.TV has a requested an interview with the Joe Daniels, CEO of the 9/11 Memorial, but has so far been stonewalled.

Body found in water off Battery Park City

November 26, 2011

The Post is reporting that a dead body was found in North Cove Marina. Read the story here. The police told BatteryPark.TV that the body is an unidentified Hispanic male. The cause of death is not yet determined.

The NYPD Museum

October 14, 2010

Julie Bose, Director of the NYPD Museum, takes us on a video tour of the museum with two new exhibits. The first one is “Artist as Witness” by artist Aggie Kenny who was given extraordinary access to the first-responders to 9/11. The second exhibit is the new children’s wing of the museum called “Junior Officers Discovery Zone”.

For more details, call (212) 480-3100 or visit http://www.nycpm.org

PEP promptly deal with OccupyWallStreet graffiti

October 18, 2011

A man in his 20′s from the OccupyWallStreet Zuccotti Park migrated over to the sidewalk by the West Thames Park grass field today. He wrote in chalk large protest messages. He was overheard saying that he was leaving to go back to Zuccotti Park for a camera to capture his art work. Moments later, three more members of OccupyWallStreet arrived and gathered in front of Rector Park.

The Park Enforcement Patrol (PEP) office was called and a patrol woman, who did not want her name used, promptly arrived. The three protestors explained that they were not the ones to write the message.

The PEP officer told BatteryPark.TV, as we witnessed the events, “I am going to stay here and wait for this guy to come back. This should not be taking place in Battery Park. Thank you so much (for calling this in).”

The man who wrote the sidewalk messages did return and the PEP officer told him, “Do not do it again”. The protestors were apologetic and there was surprisingly no conflict.

Related to this incident, the PEP are actively patrolling for possible satellite camps from Zuccotti Park that might sprout up in BPC. The PEP in carts have been keeping the community gardens, for example, free of protestor camps. BatteryPark.TV previously reported on groups of protestors who had found the community garden space conducive for a rest.

(Click images to enlarge)

SECURITY ALERT: Protestors in BPC now

October 6, 2011

The number of “OccupyWallStreet” protestors has grown exponentially over the last three days and it is causing them to bleed over into our once-sleepy neighborhood, which is a considerable distance from “Wall Street” and the original Zuccotti Park . Approximately ten protestors were found vandalizing (picking and eating) garden vegetable plants in the community garden on Albany and West Street.

Most of the protestors in the garden area were passive, but one man with a skateboard was refusing to leave and pushed his outreached arm near the face of a local BPC resident (name withheld for security) who asking them to leave. After 911 was called, the group ran away southward on the “Pataki Promenade” (see photo).

Nearby, Goldman Sachs security is at full alert. Numerous NYPD on foot and in squad cars surround the headquarters building as the protestors marched westward to the ferry boat slip and went to Jersey City to surround the smaller New Jersey tower of Goldman Sachs.

If you encounter any problems, you should call the PEPs at (212) 417-3114. If the PEP ignore you, please email us immediately info@batterypark.tv and take photos of the protestors. Obviously, if you feel threatened, the police should be called as well.

(Click image to enlarge)

Some of the Wall Street protestors running away from the community gardens after vandalizing the plants

A chat with Russell Simmons at OccupyWallStreet: by Steven Greer, MD

October 16, 2011

BatteryPark.TV had a chance to speak with Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons at the OccupyWallStreet protests today. He has been down there quite often. After a lengthy interview with Fox Business and Geraldo Rivera, he surprisingly was quite accessible as he walked around the crowd.

Russell Simmons with Fox Business and Geraldo Rivera

We asked, “(We) have not been able to hear your message as you were speaking (to Fox). Have you been trying to focus this group on more tangible goals?”

Mr. Simmons replied, “We have a focused message. It’s to get rid of Wall Street and lobbyists from Washington.” He went on to elaborate that point for approximately a minute. Unfortunately, we did not have our camera with us.

Overall, the crowd is more organized now than last week. The group “Anonymous” and others are clearly providing the agenda and support. For example, when the city announced that they group would be removed for cleaning, some organization provided push brushes for a photo-op of the protestors cleaning the area.

Also, more focused goals of the protests are appearing on professionally made signs, such as this one that says “End the Fed”.

The Zuccotti Park dos not feel like a chaotic unsafe area. Protestors are quite peaceful, when we were there at least. There was no evidence of marijuana smoke, drugs, or “open sex”.

So far, the protestors and the NYPD are doing a good job. The dangerous riots seen in Italy and the rest of Europe are not brewing in Zuccotti park, yet.

An effort calledConcreteIdeas trying to focus the OccupyWallStreet efforts

The other dangerous crossing on Albany St

Update: October 7, 2011

A local paper is reporting that a 3-year-old was struck by a yellow cab on Greenwich and Duane Streets this week. Manhattan Borough President Stringer placed a call to the DOT about the matter. Please refer to our previous reports, below and here, for the details of this very serious problem being neglected by the State DOT.

Update: September 22, 2011

By Steven Greer, MD

BatteryPark.TV has previously alerted local police and officials about the dangerous pedestrian crossing on South Albany. On September 14, 2011, according to BPC resident Matt Fenton, a pedestrian was struck by a town car as she crossed South End by Rector Place. She was treated but sustained no life-threatening injuries.

The problem on South End is caused by distracted drivers searching for parking spots and ignoring the road. The crossing guards, like the Murray Street problem, are also very ineffective. The solution is to have full NYPD officers with ticketing power stationed at the intersections. Automated red-light cameras might help as well.

September 30, 2010

There is now a traffic officer stationed at Albany and South End Avenue to address the unsafe pedestrian crossing status that we first mentioned in January. (Full story below)

January 16, 2010

The dangers of the Albany St/West Side Highway crossing have been well documented. Not so well appreciated are the dangers at the other end where Albany meets South End Avenue. Drivers making turns onto Albany are too occupied by looking down South End for other cars that they neglect to yield for pedestrians crossing Albany who have the white walk sign. The problem is particularly bad in the early evening.

BatteryPark.TV spent a mere five minutes filming the problem on a crude cell phone camera. Within that time, numerous cars violated the law and could have run over a pedestrian who was not paying attention.

If the NYPD posted patrol personnel, it could possibly earn more than $100,000 in revenue per year. Rather than ticket parked cars and do nothing to improve safety, perhaps the NYPD should try targeting more dangerous areas where moving violations are concentrated. Just a friendly suggestion: earn revenue and please the community.

The deadly crossing

Construction on Route 9A, also known as The West Side Highway, and closure of the pedestrian bridge south of Albany Street have created a very dangerous situation. The ground-level crossing of The West Side Highway at Albany Street can be a death trap.

In February of 2009, Battery Park City resident Marilyn Feng was killed and her boyfriend seriously injured when a drunk driver struck the couple. Ms. Feng was an intern in Manhattan Borough president Scott Stringer’s office. In late September of 2009, another pedestrian was struck by a motorist, but he survived.

Funding for the permanent pedestrian overpass has been cancelled. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer discusses the problem.

NYPD 9/11 bagpipe parade 2007

Over 118,000 views and counting

(This is the file with the 100,00 views originally posted on YouTube at another location of ours)

NYPD 9/11 bagpipe parade 2009

The annual NYPD commemorative bagpipe parade honoring the police killed in the September 11th, 2001 attacks.

PEP catch a thief

July 18, 2011

On Saturday, July 9, an astute Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officer witnessed two teenage boys steal a camera that was on the hostess stand of Kaijou Japanese restaurant, 21 South End Avenue. One boy escaped, but the remaining juvenile was surrounded by approximately 11 PEP officers. The NYPD were called and processed the arrest.

The PEP office declined to comment other than to confirm that the incident did take place. The manager of the restaurant said that the hostess had placed the camera on her work station before the boys snatched it.

In the past, many in the community have complained that the PEP do not do enough enforcement work of this nature. This might be an indication of change.

The PEP welcome homeless to stay in our parks

June 28, 2011

On June 28, a local resident once again informed BatteryPark.TV of a homeless man in Rector Park. The same man has encamped himself in the park. He had a large cluster of trash bags and scared away a father and son playing on the lawn.

We called the Park Enforcement Patrol (PEP) offices and documented the interaction. As suspected, they did nothing to enforce the laws and the homeless man laughed in their face, literally. The PEP sergeant we spoke with (who was not disciplined and relocated this winter and is a holdover of the old crew) was belligerent, interruptive, and accused us as “having a problem” with homeless, as if they are normal citizens enjoying the park. These are the same PEP who will find the energy and will to harass law abiding citizens simply walking their dogs.

To volunteer or donate money to the nearest homeless shelter, contact (212) 226-6214 or go to http://www.nycrescue.org/

About this story, Tess Huxley manages the PEP, and once again refused to comment, as did the BPCA who employs Ms. Huxley and contracts with the city for the PEP “security” to our neighborhood.

Watch the video and audio exchange for yourself.

(Viewable in full screen 1080iHD)