Editorial: Hudson Heights Gazette Supports a Slow Zone in Hudson Heights

Update:  The Community Board will vote on the proposal on May 28.  The meeting will be at Russ Berrie Pavilion 1150 St. Nicholas Ave between W.167th and W.168th Sts. The final decision is made by the NYC Department of Transportation but Board support is crucial.  

Local residents are submitting a proposal to the New York City Department of Transportation for a "slow traffic zone" in Hudson Heights.  The Gazette is in full support.  While a slow zone is only as good as its enforcement, its a step in the right direction towards making our streets more pedestrian friendly.  As our neighborhood swells with young kids (have you noticed?), its time to calm the traffic flow.

The only shortcoming of the City's slow zone program is that Fort Washington Avenue would not be eligible becuase of its major bus routes.  But there are other ways to slow traffic, like creating a striped parking lane and staggering traffic light timing.  The City should explore these options too.

Chris Rizzo, Cabrini Blvd.

Protecting the Palisades

Advocates for protection of Palisades Interstate Park and views of the Palisades continue to seek support in their fight against a planned corporate headquarters for LG Electronics in New Jersey. 

Check out www.protectthepalisades.org/petition to learn more about the effort.

The website includes a great history of efforts to protect the Palisades from unwise development. 

UPDATED: New Salon on 181st Street

UPDATE 3/27: It's actually a threading salon, not a hair salon.  Photos of the new awning to come.

At the end of the year, Metro Art & Frame closed its doors (in our neighborhood at least), leaving yet another vacant storefront.  We were excited to see over the weekend that the facade had been redone with a new door and floor-to-ceiling windows.  They were papered over so it was still a mystery as to what was going in there.

Mystery solved: it's a salon.

Salon-in-progress on 181st

Ok, we applaud that a new business is in the neighborhood.  I think our record proves that we are hugely supportive of local business.  But a salon???!

Our neighborhood, particularly 181st between Broadway and Riverside Drive is chock-a-block full of salons (and laundry/dry cleaning for that matter...).  Groom Team is directly across the street.  There's a small salon on Cabrini just north of 181.  There's a salon next door to Exclusive Pizza.  There are at least two more salons en route to Broadway.

Do we really need a new salon or barber shop? Can the neighborhood support this type of redundant offering?

In a previous post, readers came up with excellent ideas for retail offerings that don't already exist here: a book store, a yoga studio, a consignment shop, art supplies.

Here's hoping that the other many empty storefronts get filled soon with exciting businesses that add more diversity to our neighborhood.

Preserve the P.S. 187 School

Opinion

This blogger doesn't have children (yet) and doesn't own an apartment in Hudson Heights (yet).  So, theoretically, I have little to lose from the City's misguided idea to eliminate the school zone for P.S. 187.  But I'm completely opposed.  And if the City ever approves the plan, I would think twice about doing either in Hudson Heights (kids, buying).  That's because the zoned school helps make Hudson Heights the great neighborhood that it is.

The idea involves the creation of a fluid school district covering all of Upper Manhattan.  Parents would fill out an application for their children, rank their school choices and the Department of Education would assign seats in the various schools in Upper Manhattan.  This would give children from other neighborhoods access to Hudson Heights' school, P.S. 187.  And it would end guaranteed placement of Hudson Heights kids in their neighborhood school, which covers Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.   If the idea sounds terrible for kids, that's because it is.

P.S. 187 is a great school because it is a zoned school.   A strong PTA and committed core of educated, professional parents have helped transform the school environment in the past ten years.   Neighbors of all income levels and ethnicities gather in front of P.S. 187 before and after school to chat and exchange information.  No child must walk too far to get home.  Neighbors pick up their neighbors' children.  A better environment encourages more families to keep their kids in the public schools.  It helps attract and keep better teachers.  The result is not a "Caucasian" or "wealthy school"; the majority of students are of color and most qualify for free school lunches.  But everyone shares one thing in common--our neighborhood.  If you eliminate the zone you eliminate the fundamental reason for the school's success.   Parents from outside the zone are clamoring for a decent, safe school for their kids.  That is understandable.  But the route they (and the City) are choosing to meet that need will destroy the end goal.

There is a larger policy issue at play here.  Middle class families are an endangered species in New York City.  Even through the boom years of 1995 to 2007, when young professionals flocked to Brooklyn and northern Manhattan, the 2010 census showed that the City continued to lose middle class FAMILIES.  The hemorrhaging began in the 1960s and it has never ceased.  Wealthy New Yorkers can buy their way out of the problems  of crime, bad schools and lack of decent housing.  The poor are, lamentably, stuck.  And young professionals don't worry so much about these issues--at least until they hit 30.  But for middle class families, staying in the City is a choice.  We can leave and move to the suburbs where we would exchange a longer commute for low crime, great schools and more affordable housing.   We stay because of our commitment to urban living.  But everyone has a limit.  When the City begins to understand that reality and infuses care for middle class families into policy making, the steady exodus of middle class families will slow.  They can start by preserving the school zone that keeps thousands of middle class New Yorkers in Hudson Heights.

Police Beat: Captain Takes Some Heat

January 2, 2012 Update:  In November we reported on anecdotal reports from around the 34th Precinct regarding police officers' discouraging crime victims from filing police reports.  The N.Y. Times reported on the same topic this week, suggesting that it has become a city-wide problem as the Mayor and N.Y.P.D. struggle to continue the city's remarkable, annual reduction in crime.

*****

The 34th Precinct Community Council meeting was attended by over one hundred residents, numerous elected officials and a dozen police officers.

As usual, Captain Barry Buzzetti gave a 30-minute overview of crime in the precinct.  Fortunately, there is not much to report from Hudson Heights.  Snatching of cell phones and electronic devices continues to be a problem, particularly around subways.  New electronic tracking software allows owners and police to track thieves and the captain recommended the software.  There were at least two burglaries on Pinehurst Avenue.  These burglaries originated from open fire-escape windows and unlocked doors.  Finally, car break-ins on upper Cabrini Boulevard continue to be a problem.  Overall, the Captain expressed pride in a 21% reduction in crime in the precinct in the past few months and a larger increase in arrests.  He concluded that the "community in general is a safer place."

I was the first speaker at the "open-mic" session that followed.  I relayed widespread community concern that the precinct is significantly understaffed and that, since the captain's arrival, has discouraged the filing of police reports as a means of reducing crime statistics.  The captain acknowledged that the precinct has fewer officers than a decade ago.  But he feels that the precinct has made it through budget  cutbacks better than others and has benefited from infusions of temporary officers to deal with crime waves like this summer's assaults on women in Inwood.  He vigorously disputed the suggestion that officers were discouraging police reports and encouraged persons experiencing this situation to speak to him directly.  Despite these reassurances, speakers that followed me expressed similar concerns and the attendees responded with clapping.

Although my comments this evening were based on anecdotal reports, I have heard the same complaint from at least four distinct and reliable sources.  Certain officers in the precinct are clearly discouraging residents' filing reports.  This is clearly unacceptable and undermines the credibility of any reduction in crime rates.  Let's hope this trend is temporary.

The next community council meeting will take place in January 2012 (the December meeting is more of a Christmas party).

-Chris Rizzo

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!

My sentiments about this holiday season are captured pretty accurately by the N.Y. Times in its holiday editorial.

-Chris Rizzo

Shopping Locally for the Holidays, Volume 2.0

(181st Street, Photo by Susan Adler)

UPDATE:  Our Savior Atonement Lutheran Church is having its annual holiday sale at the Cornerstone Center on Bennett Avenue on December 10.  Look for the Center's pottery sale around the back too.  And Inwood's "Off the Map" second annual holiday market is occurring on December 3, 10 and 17  at Bread and Yoga, 4951 Broadway (at 207th Street).

***

I'd like to make a suggestion to our neighbors in Hudson Heights--buy (i.e., spend) locally during the holidays.

Everyone  wants to see more vibrant retail and restaurants in Hudson Heights and Washington Heights.  And supporting local stores is the perfect individual response to "Occupy Wall Street."  So spend your time and money uptown this month!  Here are some suggestions for holiday giving and spending:

Restaurants and Bars.  If your friends and family live uptown, this gift is easy.  Take them out to eat in the neighborhood as your "gift" or give them a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

Locally Sourced Dinner.  I plan to visit the farmer's market in Inwood, pick up dinner supplies and treat my best friends to a locally sourced meal at home.  The Inwood market on Saturdays has virtually everything you need for a meal:  wine, meats, eggs, wine, cheese, vegetables, more wine, etc.  (All I need is someone who can cook.)

Clothing/Jewelry.  Nostylgia at 251 Dyckman has a (limited) array of hip clothing and shoes.  Visit the blog at www.nostylgia.wordpress.com.  Odalis Salon on Cabrini Boulevard, just north of 181st Street, has cool jewelry on display.  The craft fair at Hudson View Gardens usually includes a local jewelry artisan too (too late for 2011, but look for 2012).  Local clothiers "Brazen Lingerie" make baby carriers and some more discrete ladies' items, www.theartofbabywearing.com.

Donations.  Another option for local giving is a donation to a local organization that you think might be special for the recipient.  Consider Fort Tryon Park Trust or Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance.  

Wine.  The easiest gift is a bottle of wine from Cabrini Wines on 181st Street or Vines on Pine on Pinehurst.  (If wine doesn't feel personal enough, how about giving the bottle with a card attached explaining that it was purchased locally or pairing it with one of the gifts below?)

Pets.  Friends with pets?  Critter on Pinehurst sells all sorts of pet toys.  Or there's our particular favorite, the dog leash with the bag holder for cleaning up after the dog!

Bikers.  "Treads" on Dyckman Street is a GREAT bike shop and full of smaller items for gift giving like flashing lights for evening bikers.

Museums.  Try the gift shops at the Cloisters (in Fort Tryon Park), the Morris Jumel Mansion (George Washington's summer home) or the Hispanic Society of America (on 155th and Broadway).  You can also purchase memberships to these institutions.

Art.  You might also try scouting out some local artists.  You can visit the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance gallery on Bennett Avenue from 11 to 5 p.m. on weekdays.  You can visit the restaurant "181 Cabrini" and check out its rotating exhibits.  Or you can check out some of our favorite local artists:  www.kloew.com; www.VickiFremont.com; www.navahjo.com.  If the prices for originals are too high, consider asking the artists about prints.

Religion.  The gift shop at Mother Cabrini Shrine on Fort Washington Avenue is full of worthwhile religious gifts especially for your devout Irish, Italian or Latin grandmother.

Food.  Franks Market on 187th Street and La Rosa on Broadway and 178th sell various specialty food products.  What's more useful than food!  Ask them about making gift baskets for you or make your own.  Indian Road Cafe at 218th and Indian Road is a trek from Hudson Heights, but the coffee is excellent.  They sell Counter Culture Coffee by the cup or by the bag.  Add one of these to your gift basket!

Children's Toys and Other Gifts.  Hilltop Pharmacy at 187th Street and Fort Washington Avenue has an oddball collection of toys, sports balls, picture frames, vases and other giftable items.  Wiggles and Giggles (yes, that's the name) at the western end of 181st Street sells higher-end children's toys.  (I still haven't figured out exactly what W&G does.  But it seems to host children's birthday parties, play dates for kids and other kid-focused events).

K&R Florist.  Hudson Heights lost its only florist several years ago to the new Stein Perry real estate shop on 187th Street.  I like the selection of holiday items at K&R Florist in Inwood, located at Broadway and 207th.

We'll continue to update this during the holiday season.  Please forward any suggestions too!

Drag Racing on the Henry Hudson Parkway?

This blog post is directed towards Hudson Heights residents that are within ear-shot of the Henry Hudson Parkway.  Perhaps motorcyclists are enjoying the last few warm days of the year, but the drag racing on the highway has been intense over the past few days.  I recently reported the problem to 311 and the operator immediately transferred me to 911.  Apparently drag racing, unlike a generic noise complaint, is a 911-worthy event.

The 34th Precinct's former commanding officer, Captain Jose Navarro, once acknowledged the problem at a precinct council meeting but lamented that the force has inadequate staff to control the racing.  He also alleged that trying to catch the motorcyclists would present safety risks to officers.

I am dubious about both explanations.  In the meantime, however, the only solution is for residents to keep calling 911.

-Chris Rizzo

NYPD Announces Plans to Transfer 34th Precinct's Commanding Officer

According to DNA Info, the New York Police Department plans to transfer Captain Jose Navarro out of the 34th Precinct.  According to Carla Zanoni's article, local politicians and community members are outraged.

The move is likely related to the sharp rise in crime in the 34th Precinct in the past 12 months, including spikes in muggings, burglaries and several high-profile sexual assaults. 

In my opinion, Captain Navarro has brought a breath of fresh air to the precinct, always willing to speak clearly and honestly at community meetings. 

I suspect that the uptick in crime is less related to precinct leadership and more related to two key factors:  (1) the precinct is woefully understaffed and (2) the economic downturn has left the community's young people (particularly black and hispanic youth) without real job opportunities. 

Unemployment in the United States is hovering just below 10%; New York City is doing much better and is about 9%.  But U.S. teenagers have a 25% unemployment rate!  The rates among young African Americans and Hispanics are much higher.

-Chris Rizzo

Essential Day Trip

Visit Stone Barns in Westchester County!

Stone Barns is the public portion of the Rockefeller's sprawling, 300-acre farm near Tarrytown.  It has a public farmer's market, cafe, gift shop and beautiful pastoral views.  As far as I can tell, it's the closest farm to Hudson Heights, about twenty minutes away by car.

For a unique perspective on the farm, visit this blog:  www.haveyoueverpickedacarrot.com.  

Or visit www.stonebarnscenter.org.

Seen and Heard in Fort Tryon Park at 9 p.m.

I guess you can only expect excitement when you take a walk in a NYC park after dusk looking to cool off.  (Safety first--I was not walking alone.)

Here are a few interesting bits from Fort Tryon this evening:  (1)  a question from two hipsters, "do you know where the BBQ is?"; (2) an arrow drawn in chalk with the direction, "This way for fun"; and (3) foraging skunks at EVERY turn.

I can only imagine what's going on in that park as  I write this.

The Best Thing about Indian Road Cafe was the Coffee

Now it's Justine, the new pastry chef.  

I stopped by Indian Road Cafe on Saturday to pick up some ground coffee for the week and asked where my favorite coffee lady, Justine, was (she had been missing for weeks).  Turns out that she's now working as a pastry chef.

I tried one of her blueberry tarts--excellent.  They were not too sweet and perfectly light.

Bennett Avenue-An Opinion

Information about two late-night sexual assaults on women on Bennett Avenue has understandably shaken up Hudson Heights.  One attack occurred in an apartment building and another occurred on the street, both well after midnight on separate evenings this month.  The vocal support of local politicians and the temporary addition of twenty police officers to the 34th Precinct is reassuring.  But it has become clear that the same characteristics that make Bennett Avenue a desirable residential street, the lack of commercial establishments and general quiet, also make it a target for criminals.

The only real solution in my opinion is the creation of a formal alliance among owners (co-ops, condos or landlords) to hire private security to patrol the area.  Spread among many residents and, perhaps limited to evening hours, the cost would be minimal.  A formal alliance to pay for security on Bennett, possibly under the banner of a  Bennett Avenue Neighborhood Watch Association, would send a strong message that Bennett Avenue and Overlook Terrace are off-limits for criminals.

The idea is not original.  Other urban areas have done the same.  Consider Modesto, California, where 500 residents recently formed an association and agreed to pay $25/month each to cover the costs of a security patrol.  There are several well-regarded private security companies in New York City that already patrol residential communities, like Fieldston in the Bronx.

There are some who will say that taxes should pay for police and other essential city services.  There's no doubt that the City should be primarily responsible for police, parks, schools, sanitation, public transportation and other essential services.  But it is also a realty that middle and upper-middle income communities in New York City have always supplemented municipal services with their own efforts.  Castle Village's security force is the best local example.

Its time for the same approach on Bennett Avenue.    Small public grants may be available to help in setting up the program and a website (although its doubtful that public funds would be available to help pay for private security.)

-Chris Rizzo

P.S.:  For more information on the assaults, police rewards and sketches of the assailants, check out Carla Zanoni's articles at DNA Info.

Also, check out New York 1's video of the assailant in the third (unsuccessful) attack.

Op-Ed: Hudson Droppings, “Curb Your Dog”

Walk around much lately?  Take notice of what will surface on the sidewalks as the snow & ice begin to melt away.  Besides the loose trash that will see daylight once again, watch the two-week old droppings from man’s best friend.  I will be the first to admit that I’m no pet lover.  But, is it just me or has the dog population in our ‘hood just exploded over the past few years?  Take a stroll down Pinehurst and along Bennett Park tomorrow evening and you will be in for one olfactory experience.  But be sure to watch your step or you may encounter a landmine.  And how about Cabrini Boulevard just north of 190th Street?...well, you get the point. 

Owners risk being fined up to $250 in NYC if they do not curb their dogs and yet it seems we still have an abundance of dog “poo” lining our sidewalks and streets, not to mention yellow ice patches causing potential walking hazards during the cold rush-hour mornings.  We say to those who curb their pooch, “we salute you”; to those who have no respect for their neighbors or regard for the cleanliness of their neighborhood, “get a pooper scooper”; and, lastly, for those who attempt to curb or perhaps smear after their dog, we say “that’s just shitty.” 

So be a respectful neighbor and responsible pet owner by training your dog to use the gutter and be sure to check out this post on Four Easy Ways to Curb Your Dog  by Ashley Welch at New York News & Views.

http://glennfrifundamentals.journalism.cuny.edu/2010/09/13/four-easy-ways-to-curb-your-dog/

Patrick Moschitto

(Note:  Hudson Heights Gazette welcomes reader comments, opinions and submissions.  Proper credit will be provided.)

Charter Schools in Hudson Heights?

There seems to be some enthusiastic local support for a Hebrew Language Charter School that would be housed in a yet-to-be-announced location. According to some studies, however, most charter schools don't perform any better than neighborhood schools like P.S. 187; many perform worse.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/09/27/2009-09-27_the_charter_school_problem_results_are_much_less_positive_than_a_new_study_sugge.html#ixzz1DSqeMhhY

As stated in the article linked above:  "A national study conducted by Stanford University economist Margaret Raymond found that 37% of charter schools got worse results than comparable neighborhood public schools, 46% did about the same and only 17% were superior to the local public schools. The Raymond study surveyed half the charter schools in the nation and more than 70% of all charter school students. Raymond said, 'If this study shows anything, it shows that we've got a 2-to-1 margin of bad charters to good charters.'"  

Eyesore of the Week No. 2 (2/8/11)-"One Bennett Park"

There are so many things wrong in this photograph that its hard to begin.  First, Thompson Development Group's proposed 22-story luxury condominium building remains stalled.  Second, the Hebrew Center (precariously balanced on iron stilts) remains closed awaiting Mr. Thompson's overdue renovation.  Third, the entrance to the A train on Overlook Terrace is a complete and utter mess.  

The moral of this story is that developers should post construction bonds that the City (or MTA) could seize to restore a site when a development project goes so terribly wrong.  While Hudson Heights Gazette strongly hopes that Mr. Thompson can secure the financing to complete this project, there has to be a point in time where the hole in the ground can be filled in and the neighborhood character restored.  (By the way, we think there would be a strong market for condominiums in this location if they were extremely well designed on both the Fort Washington Avenue and Overlook Terrace sides.)

Monkey Room, Time to Go or Change

Most residents of Hudson Heights have watched with sadness as the Monkey Room has devolved from a hip coffee shop and bar run by originator Guy Pepin to a very unexceptional bar run by Jacob Sosa.  Residents seem to have recently put up a rather modest fight to convince the New York State Liquor Authority to deny the liquor license renewal.  Community Board 12 agreed and recommended against renewal.  The Authority has apparently disregarded that recommendation and renewed the license until December 2012.

There's nothing particularly sinister about the Monkey Room.  Its an average bar that attracts mostly out-of-neighborhood patrons looking to get drunk, make noise, find romance and then head home at 4 a.m.  Mr. Sosa seems to be sincere in his efforts to keep his clientele as quiet, subdued and respectful as possible.  It will never work, however, because that's not how bars make money.

The real question is whether a bar like this belongs in a quiet residential neighborhood that is striving to improve itself.  It probably doesn't.  Anyone that walks past the Monkey Room at midnight on Friday night will see patrons congregating on the street.  Residents within earshot of the establishment certainly need to keep their windows closed in the summer to shut out this noise.   (Tonight at 11:30 p.m., an icy Monday night in January, the bar was relatively full, quiet and peaceful.)

A liquor license is just that, a "license."  It must be earned; it is not a right.  We would venture to guess that a bar like this would never get a liquor license in a quiet Westchester County suburb because it would disturb the peace and quiet.  Why should residents of Hudson Heights be subject to lesser protections?

Over the next two years, residents should fill the files of the Authority and Community Board with any valid complaints.  In the meatime, we sincerely wish Mr. Sosa the best of luck in improving the behavior of his patrons. 

Note:  At least one writer from HHG goes to the Monkey Room from time to time.  This writer likes a cold beer as much as anyone and particularly likes the bar's outdoor seating in the back.

Happy 2011 Hudson Heights

Happy new year and best wishes for a fruitful and healthy 2011.

Hudson Heights Gazette, our local news experiment begun in September 2010, will continue to post weekly updates every Tuesday.  Look for photos of the week, eyesores, editorials and independent news.

Also look for some special stories in the first few months of 2011, like arts/culture updates, restaurant reviews, a Hudson Heights real estate update and an environmental guide for Northern Manhattan in honor of Earth Day (April 22).

As always, news, photos, comments and referrals are welcome and expected.

"Eating Animals" in Northern Manhattan

This isn't meant to be a book review.  But let me say a few words about Jonathan Safran Foer's newest book, Eating Animals.  Entertaining.  Disturbing.  Motivating.  

Mr. Foer knows how to entertain.  His freshman book, Everything is Illuminated, humerously followed a young Jewish kid on a trip to the Ukraine to see the land of his ancestors.  Foer won awards and landed a movie deal.  HIs sophomore book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, explored a young child's learning to live without a father lost on 9/11/01.  It was a touch less humorous and a notch more touching.

Eating Animals is something altogether different.  Its not a novel, although he brings along his brainy, anecdote-filled writing style.  Rather, this is factual look at the depraved and disturbing world of factory farms in the United States.  His message is clear--if you think you're eating humanely produced meats in the United States, think again.  According to Mr. Foer, up to 95-99% of meat raised in the United States now comes from factory farms, where animals are often raised in boxes and cages and butchered, sometimes while still alive.   He includes just enough details to disturb even the most die-hard meat eater.

But as a call to action, Mr. Foer leaves readers a bit stranded.  How do I seek out the 1-5% of farmers that are producing meat ethically? And how do I find them while living in Northern Manhattan.  That's what this blog entry is about.

My first stop was the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The agency's website defines the terms of the meat industry, such as "fresh," "natural," "hormone-free," "organic", etc.  Visit the agency's website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/Meat_&_Poultry_Labeling_Terms/index.asp.    Keep in mind that, from an ethics standpoint, these labels may have little meaning.  For example,   a "free-range" chicken may have access to a 10 foot by 10 foot yard that it shares with 10,000 other chickens.  A hormone-free pig may live most of its life confined to a metal box.  And the natural, grass-fed cattle may be brutally slaughtered at one of the industrial slaughterhouses that now dominate the agricultural sector of our economy.  The agency's labels are mostly focused on protecting human health, not ensuring animal welfare.

My second step included visits to my local supermarkets, Frank's Market on 187th Street and Associated on Fort Washington Avenue.  Most of the beef, chicken and pork products in each store contain the stores' labels only--no indication of free-range, hormone-free, etc.  Both stores carry several brands of pre-packaged sausages with labels like "all natural" or "humanely raised," which sound nice but are not verifiable.

 Frank's Market, however, carries a limited selection of fresh meats that carry the label "Certified Humane."  This label intrigued me so I did a little further research.

"Certified Humane" seems to carry some real weight.  It is a trademarked label of Humane Farm Animal Care Inc., a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to promoting the humane and ethical production of meat in the United States.  Its board includes officials of the ASPCA and Humane Society.  Farmers must comply with the corporation's standards for raising and slaughtering their livestock.  The corporation's website is extremely useful and lists farmers that produce meat according to allegedly rigorous standards as well as restaurants that sell "Certified Humane" products.  

At Frank's Market, I found Murray's chicken and Heartland Meadow's beef.   Both products are "Certified Humane" and are listed at www.certifiedhumane.org.  I purchased both products and they tasted great.  Murray's chicken in particular had a genuine flavor that is completely absent in your average supermarket poultry (I'm eating it as I write this).   I strongly recommend a visit to that website to identify the limited number of local farms that produce certified products.

My third and final stop was my local farmer's market, the Inwood Market that takes place on West 211th Street from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.  There are a wide range of farmers at this market.  Check out http://www.grownyc.org/inwoodgreenmarket for a listing of weekly vendors that come from around New York and New Jersey--even in the winter.   The products on display at the market look great.  But are they humanely produced?  None of the farmers are listed at www.certifiedhumane.org.

Dipaola's Turkey Farm in New Jersey sells all kinds of tantalizing turkeys, turkey sausage and turkey chopped meat.  The farmer's booth displays photographs depicting  free-range turkeys roaming happily across the farm's six acres.  The vendor assured me that the poultry is free-range.

New York Beef Company of Dutchess County has a wide array of steaks for sale.  All beef is allegedly "100% grass fed," which suggests that the cattle spend a good deal of their lives grazing happily in the Hudson Valley.  The vendor at the market told me the animals are slaughtered in Queens at one of New York City's few remaining local slaughterhouses.    (The company also does mail order at www.newyorkbeef.com, although the online ordering system doesn't seem to work properly.)   

The bottom line is that there are options for buying and eating humanely produced meats in Northern Manhattan, in particular given the close access we have to great farms in New Jersey and the Hudson Valley.  The meat costs more, but the flavor and peace of mind are well worth the expense.  My next stop will be local restaurants and I will continue to update this blog entry as I learn more about the issue.  

-Chris Rizzo, hudsonheightsgazette@gmail.com

MTA Response to Complaints about 181st Street Station

About a month ago, I called Carmen Bianco, Senior Vice President for Subways of the MTA, to express my concern about the removal of the station agent from the 181st Street Station of the A Train as well as the overall condition of the station, its escalators and its elevators.  To his credit, he was gracious and promised to read my forthcoming letter with interest.  

This week, I received a copy of his response letter.  It is equally gracious, although I don't think we can expect the return of the station agent anytime soon.  But I think we can expect increased attention by the police and MTA to this station, at least temporarily.

Please look at this Gazette's prior blogs to learn about how you can make your voice heard on our neighborhood's subway issues.  Mr. Bianco's letter to me is below.

Chris Rizzo

***

This is in response to your letter of November 1st, in which you requested that the closed kiosk booth at the 181st Street Station on the A line be re-opened.  You stated that since the removal of the agent at the 181st Street entrance, the incidence of graffiti and unsanitary conditions, as well as loitering of teenagers and homeless individuals, has increased, causing concern for customer safety.  Another issue is the seemingly antiquated and unreliable system of elevators at the station.

We inspected the station on November 16th and found it clean, with no litter on either the platform or mezzanine.  However, we did find graffiti on the kiosk booth window on the unstaffed mezzanine; this graffiti is acetone and cannot be removed.  We also discussed with Transit Bureau District 3 previous complaints received regarding loitering individuals, and requested increased patrolling of the area.  

The MTA sponsors a social service group, MTA/Connections Outreach, which works with homeless people in the subway to identify their specific problems and to direct them to services which provide food, shelter, and treatment.  Due to the increase in the number of complaints about the homeless at this station, we have requested that MTA/Connections Outreach and the Police Transit Bureau increase their outreach to the station and enforcement of subway rules and regulations.  We will continue to work with them to address these issue and ensure a safe and secure environment for our customers.  We will also ensure managers and supervisors at the station closely monitor conditions and take corrective action, as needed.  In addition, cleaners have been instructed to pay close attention to this unstaffed mezzanine and ensure that it is clean.

With regard to the elevator service, the 181st Street Station is served by three escalators at the 181st Street end, ES 117, ES 118 and ES 119; three elevators also serve the 184th Street end, EL 117, EL 118 and EL 119.  ES 117 was out of service from May 9th through October 17th due to work to replace the critical transmission step and step chain parts.  Although the longest outage for elevator EL 119 has been 9 days, the multiple shutdowns of elevators experienced by customers over the past year have been attributable to the age of the equipment, with wiring and control relay issues as the major causes.

As you are aware, the reduced station agent presence at the station was made necessary as a result of system-wide financial constraints.

We value your patronage, and are also sorry for any inconvenience that you might have experienced.  We look forward to serving you better.