MANHATTAN
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LONG ISLAND l BROOKLYN l QUEENS l ROCKLAND COUNTY l STATEN ISLAND l
NEW JERSEY
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MANHATTAN29 East2919th East 19thNew Street, York, NY 10003Ph: 212.995.0500 212.995.0500 MANHATTAN Street, York,New NY 10003
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24 Home Accents
32
8
Beautiful pieces to accent your home
Decorating on a Budget
12
Inexpensive ways to give your home a new look
Greenwood Doors
18
Ever think a used door can be beautiful?
Homes of the Future Today
24
New home technology so your don’t have to lift a finger
Get Organized – After the Storm
28
Getting back to normal
Greenpoint, Microcosum of NYC
30
Brooklyn’s Soho?
Garden Sculptures of the world
32
a Photo essay
What a Winter!
34
The worst in years
L I V I N G
A N D
M O R E
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editors note living and more
T
There was a time when I loved the snow. It brought back happy memories, and reminded me of peaceful times, hot chocolate, snowball fights, and mom’s spicy crab cakes. Then . . . it snowed . . . . it snowed hard . . . . . it snowed hard and long and wouldn’t stop! And when we thought it was over, it snowed again and again. We New Yorkers are a hardy bunch. Congratulations to one and all for surviving SNOWPOCALYPSE 2010/11. Personally, I don’t want to see so much as a snow cone for the next few months. This month’s featured article is about this past winter and the sn*w. Speaking of survival, how did your house fare after all the snow had melted? In this month’s issue, there is a short, but informative, piece on Post-winter cleanup. With only a few dollars and a little imagination, decorating can be easy and fun. We’ll explore the options available for the limited budget in this month’s issue. Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s most northern community is history rich and a great destination for a day trip as the weather warms up. We give you just a taste of the Greenpoint experience this month, the rest is up to you. Finally, the future is here. Smart homes are everywhere and becoming more of an every day reality for many. No longer the whimsy of science fiction writers, home automation is a fast growing phenomenon. We take a peek at what’s behind the curtain in today’s Home of the Future.
Carole Delmonico
PUBLISHER EDITOR IN-CHIEF CONTRIBUTING EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
SALES PRODUCTION COORDINATOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ADVERTISING OFFICE
W MEDIA CAROLE DELMONICO JULIA LISANTI EFRAIM SCHNALL W MEDIA MENASHE SCHWARTZ
RAIZY NEUFELD ABE BERKOWITZ
ZACHARY SCHLEE 1227 60th Street BROOKLYN NY 718.854.3773 www.interiornewyork.com
INTERIORNEWYORK CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INTERIOR NEW YORK magazine has openings in its sales and other departments. Competitive rates, highest commissioned sales percentage and a great work environment. Full or part time. Call 718 854-3773 for more details. www.interiornewyork.com
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HOME ACCENTS
BEAUTIFUL PIECES TO DECORATE YOUR HOME Beautiful Bathroom Designed Pedula Ceramic tile inc. 718-377-7746 www.pedullatiles.com
Moroccan Vases available at www.themoroccanroom.com
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Featured here is a French Style Curio, With exquisite Italian Workmanship and Beautiful Bronze detail. These fine woods and inlays will create an ambiance of elegance and timeless design in any home. With its high quality it is sure to become a family Heirloom. Available at RENAISSANCE FURNITURE- 718-851-3977
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From sconces to pendants to candelabras to lamps, it’s a festival of lights at DESIGNER’S CORNER (914-834-9170, www. designerscorneronline.com) in Larcmont, which boasts the Tristate area’s largest collection of vintage lightning.
Hand Made Wrought Iron Table and Bookcase by HMH IRION DESIGN 718-851-5870 www.hmhiriondesign.com
Beautiful Bowl Sink By MONDIAL TILES INC. 718-232-0800 www.mondialtiles.com
Elegent Straicase Carpeting by Quiality carpet 718-941-4200 www.qualitycarpet.com
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Decorating on a Budget: How to Do More with Less
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owadays, it seems like everyone is strapped for cash. The prolonged economic downturn means that most people are trying to do more with less. Redecorating your home is really not a priority when you have bills to pay and kids to feed. But given the fact that the economy has been crappy for a while now, I’ll bet that there are more than a few of you out there that are desperate for change. Fortunately, there a plenty of ways to give your home a new look without breaking the bank.
Do-It-Yourself
It is always cheaper to do something yourself than it is to pay someone else to do it. Whether you want to paint, put up wallpaper, refinish a dresser, install bathroom tile or kitchen cabinets, you will save a fortune if you do it yourself. No matter how simple or complex the job, there are plenty of stepby-step videos available online to take you through the process. Besides, nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction you will feel upon completing your project by yourself. 12 INTERIOR NEW YORK I April / May 2011
Rearrange Your Furniture
The cheapest and easiest way to change the appearance of any room is to rearrange the furniture. The simple act of repositioning furniture can dramatically change the look of a room. In the bedroom, putting the bed in the corner will free up more floor space while centering it in the middle can make it the focal point of the room. In the living room, try moving your furniture away from the walls and grouping it together in the center of the room. Having your couch, coffee table, chairs, or love-seat grouped closely together creates a more intimate feel and frees up valuable wall space that can then be put to use providing an area for bookcases and other forms of storage.
Paint
With the exception of the problem of having to move and/or cover furniture, painting is the quickest way to completely transform the look of any room. Paint is also relatively inexpensive, provided you do the painting yourself. You can probably paint just about any room in your house for about $100.
In particular, Martha Stewart paints, which came on the market about a year ago (and are environmentally friendly), cost about $25 dollars per gallon. If you don’t want to incur the expense or time necessary to repaint an entire room, try painting a single wall with a bright color as a focal point, or painting a stencil border to compliment your existing decorating scheme. The use of paint does not need to be limited to your walls. Paint can be used to change the look of furniture, cabinets, and even floors. Just be sure to use the right sealer and primer before you begin.
Repurpose
Repurposing means taking something you already have and finding a new use for it. For example, old glass bottles or wine jugs can become vases. An old wooden ladder can become a display for plants, knick-knacks, or family photos. An out-dated coffee table can be given new life by adding vinyl or porcelain tile to the top. The key to repurposing is that the items that you use have some character to www.interiornewyork.com
them to begin with, and you use your imagination. When you are repurposing, you can either use things for their intended function or find a completely different use for them. For example, chairs, end-tables, stools, and benches can easily be moved from one room to another, and painted or refinished to match their new setting’s décor. Old cast iron patio furniture can be repainted and moved indoors to a solarium or breakfast nook. On the other end of the spectrum, furniture and other items can find new life with a new function. Stools make great plant stands. An old wooden chest can become a low-lying table. A tall, skinny table can become a desk. Old bed linens can be transformed into window treatments. I think you get the picture. Just be creative and think about what you might use some for before you decide it is junk and throw it out. It saves money and is good for the environment (because it means less waste at your local landfill).
Cover It Up
In keeping with the previous item on our list, there are plenty of ways to give new life to upholstered furniture as well. Instead of getting a new couch, get a slipcover. In fact, you may want to get two. Slipcovers are an easy and inexpensive way to transform the look of virtually any couch. They are also great for covering up stains or thread-bare spots in the upholstery. They come in such a variety nowadays that you can probably get a separate one for every day of the year and never have to use the same one twice. Slipcovers made from crisp white cotton will brighten a room, while a bold floral or abstract print can really make a room pop. Just remember to use color in moderation. You don’t want your furniture to clash or compete with each other for attention. To finish the look www.interiornewyork.com
of your couch, add throw pillows in bold colors like lime, pink and yellow for an instant pick me up, or use warm hues for a calming effect. Slipcovers can also be used to improve the look of worn out chairs, but in most cases you will get a better result if you reupholster the chair. For wooden chairs with fabric seats this is a relatively simple process. You simply need to remove the seat, get rid of the old upholstery and replace it with new fabric using a staple gun. Reupholstering arm chairs is a bit more complex, so you may want to consult a professional before you destroy grandma’s antique Queen Anne chair. (At the very least, you should look for instructions online.)
Treasure Hunting
Last but not least, go treasure hunting! Go to yard sales, flea markets, and discount stores to see what you can find. Yard sales and flea markets, in particular, are a great place to find furniture and decorative items at a fraction of what they would cost in a retail store. Think about repurposing the items at the sale while you are browsing. Those old chairs might not look like much now, but they may turn out to be a great find once you slap a coat of paint on them. Discount stores, on the other hand, are a great place to find new decorative items at rock bottom prices. Fabrics, bed linens, shower curtains, accent pillows, lighting, picture frames, candles and various other knick-knacks can all be found at your local discount store. Once again, keep in mind that you don’t have to buy these items for their intended use. Bed sheets can become window treatments or slip-covers with a little bit of sewing or the use of a little iron-on hem tape. An inexpensive vase may make a great lamp. Just use your imagination, and most of all, have fun!
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SHOPPING
GreenWood Doors
A well-designed entry should be both beautiful and functional,
D
oors are very symbolic. Visually, your front door is the focal point of the exterior of your home. Literally and figuratively, it is the passageway to your kingdom. It is the gateway to your realm. As such, it should make a statement. Not only should the door be impressive in its own right, but it should give visitors a sense of what’s to come once they enter. A well-designed entry should be both beautiful and functional, visually striking yet simultaneously welcoming. Addressing these multiple needs is no easy feat, but it is what we do best at Green Wood Doors. We are dedicated to creating only the finest custom-designed and meticulously handcrafted wooden doors. 18 INTERIOR NEW YORK I April / May 2011
Each Green Wood Door that we create is constructed from the most basic of raw materials, oftentimes a simple pile of lumber and hardware, and transformed by our highly-skilled craftsman into a masterpiece of both form and function. Our expertise in combining Old World skill with modern techniques (including the use of modern adhesives) allows us to create doors of timeless beauty and extreme longevity. At Green Wood Doors, we believe that a well-designed entry should reflect both practical and aesthetic considerations. Practically speaking, an entryway should provide some measure of protection from the elements, both for visitors to your home as well as for the door itself.
In some cases, this shelter is already built into the style of the house. In other cases, this shelter must be built from scratch. There has yet to be a door designed that is completely impervious to the ravages of nature, but we at Green Wood Doors pride ourselves on creating entryways that will stand the test of time (and Mother Nature). Aesthetically speaking, a welldesigned entry should reflect the architectural style and cultural heritage of the home. Ideally, an entry should be thought of not as a separate entity, but as part of the whole. At Green Wood Doors, we like to say that “the house should choose the door, with the owner’s permission.” Your front door is the first thing that www.interiornewyork.com
We can create any specific door that you have in mind, visitors to your home are likely to see, and they will view it from only inches away, necessitating a greater level of detail than the rest of the house. What form this detail takes is completely up to the customer. Whether that detail is the simple natural beauty of the wood grain, wrought iron detail work, stained glass, or custom designed wood carvings and engraving, we can create it all. We manufacture all of the wrought iron and stained glass components used in our doors to ensure that they are treated with the same level of craftsmanship and expertise as the wooden components of the door. All of our glass components are made from double-insulated thermal units with camed glass inserts to ensure the greatest possible retention of heat within the home. In addition, our ability to create arched moldings sets us apart from many of our competitors in the industry. This highly specialized process involves lovingly bending and molding the wood into its curved form, a technique that requires the utmost skill and precision and one www.interiornewyork.com
in which we take great pride. In fact, we specialize in creating doors of unusual shapes and sizes. No job is too large or too complex. From the grandest religious institution to the most humble dwelling, we can create the perfect door to suit your needs. Whether you have a very specific idea in mind, or haven’t the vaguest idea of what you want, our dedicated and professional staff will be with you each step of the way to help make
your dream door a reality. The process begins with an initial door design consultation, to which we do request the customer bring a few important items. Namely, the customer should bring some initial measurements of the door’s dimensions, pictures of the exterior and interior of the home where the door will be located, as well as any pictures of doors that you like. With these key pieces of information, we can begin designing an entry that is April / May 2011 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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not only perfectly suited to your taste, but will perfectly match the style of your home. With literally thousands of wood species available, we are sure that we can find something to suit just about anyone’s taste. In addition, we employ a unique color matching process which allows us to match the color of the door with any home’s exterior color or décor. We can create any specific door that you have in mind, combine different elements from multiple doors that appeal to you, or recreate an existing door. In fact, recreating old doors that have fallen into disrepair is one of our specialties. In these cases, we create an exact replica of the time-ravaged 20 INTERIOR NEW YORK I April / May 2011
door, while salvaging and refinishing the existing hardware where applicable. At Green Wood Doors, we are of the opinion that “they just don’t make them like they used to. “ Fortunately, we do. From the initial conception and drafting of the design, through the actual construction and installation of your door with all the accompanying hardware, we take the greatest care to ensure that your project is completed with the utmost skill and precision. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority and we are dedicated to creating doors that will not only meet, but exceed your wildest expectations. Our unique ten-step finishing process ensures that each Green Wood Door that we create is both physically beautiful and virtually weatherproof. Our exclusive finishing process begins with fine hand sanding, followed by the use of sealers, stains, and catalyzed polyurethane. This meticulous process and attention to detail sets us apart from our competitors. We are committed to using only the finest raw materials and hardware in the construction of our doors. In addition, we employ an Old-World standard for door thickness, 2 ¼, as apposed to the 1 ¾ standard that is common nowadays. We also employ our own highly professional movers that can deliver your finished project anywhere in the Tri-state area. This virtually unheard of practice allows you to avoid the massive cost of crating and shipping the door, and allows us to be sure that nothing is damaged in transit. Because we also install all of our doors ourselves, we can ensure that the door will be installed properly,
and that we can solve any problems that present themselves at the time of the installation. Green Wood Doors is a small business, which means that each project we undertake gets our full and undivided attention. We work with you every step of the way to make sure you get exactly what you want, and are more than satisfied with the outcome. There are no carbon-copy cutout “one size fits all” doors at our shop. Each door that we create is a unique work of art, and one in which we take great pride. Our sole dedication is to creating doors of unsurpassed beauty and craftsmanship. At Green Wood Doors we believe that size mattersbut only if we are talking about the doors! In closing, we would like to acknowledge that we at Green Wood Doors are committed to creating our products in an environmentally sustainable way. Whenever it is practical or desirable, we use reclaimed wood salvaged from demolition sites in the construction of our doors. This reclaimed wood has a patina and sense of character that only comes with age, and we use it to our full advantage. Our commitment to environmentally sustainable construction does not stop there. In addition, we have formed a partnership with the Federation of Black Cowboys, who receive all of our sawdust and scrap wood for use as bedding for their horses and firewood, respectively. If you would like to learn more about Green Wood Doors, please call us at (718) 634-9663, or visit our website customgreendoors.com. We can also be reached by fax at (718) 634-1022. Better yet, come visit us at our workshop at 323 Beach 74th Street in Arverne NY 11692. We are certain that once you see for yourself the superior craftsmanship and timeless beauty of our work, you will realize that Green Wood Doors is the perfect choice for your entryway project. www.interiornewyork.com
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Diffusers t Sachets & Scented Items t Large Selection of Table clothes Decorative Pillows Bath Accessories t Wall Paintings
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EUROPEAN DINNER SETS SERVICE for 12 $ 2259 5 9 – $ 333 339 3399
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Homes of the Future- Today! control your home from anywhere
Almost every science fiction novel and/ or movie to come out in the last seventy-five years has featured some form of automated home. In the movies, these homes will do anything you want upon request. Through simple verbal requests, you could tell your house to turn the lights on, play your favorite album, or water the plants. In some cases, these homes might even anticipate your needs: having your alarm wake you up at 7 am while brewing coffee and tuning to your favorite news channel. Although sentient robot maids that do all of our housework may still be a ways off, many of the seemingly fantastical features of these science fiction stories are already a reality. The idea of fully automated homes first became popularized following their appearance in World’s Fairs exhibits in Chicago (1934), New York (1939 and 196424 INTERIOR NEW YORK I April / May 2011
65), and popular attractions at amusement parks like Disney Land. I can imagine that people who went to these World’s Fairs in the 30’s through 60’s would be utterly convinced that by now, in the year 2011, every American would have a fully automated home. Alas, this is not the case. Automated homes have, thus far, mainly been reserved mainly for the rich. The reasons for this are many: the complexity and interconnectedness of the devices involved, competition between the various makers, and the fact that many home automation systems have different standards that are not compatible with each other. All of these factors have conspired to prevent the average American from being able to afford a home automation system. But recent technological breakthroughs and some attempts to standardize the
equipment mean that you can finally have the automated home of your dreams. The systems are still expensive, but they are becoming more affordable, e s p e c i a l l y considering the fact that many of these systems are now available with a basic starter package that you can add to at your leisure. Most basic home automation systems include centralized control of lighting, appliances, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, home theater equipment, and optional security systems. Home automation systems integrate the www.interiornewyork.com
various electrical devices in your home with each other, and allow you to control these devices through voice commands or the use of a computer or wireless device. Obviously, automation systems that can be controlled with voice commands are more complicated and therefore more expensive (as your home will have to be wired and programmed to hear and respond to your voice). You may decide that the added expense is worth the cost when you can simply tell your home to, “turn the lights on,” or “water the garden,” and have it happen. Other methods of controlling your home automation system include the use of a personal computer, remote controls, or wireless devices like cell phones and the iPad. Many systems that work by voice command will also integrate these devices so that you can make changes to your systems, or check up on your house, while you are www.interiornewyork.com
not at home. For example, if you plan to get home early from work one day, you can use your iPad or cell phone to tell the air conditioner to come on an hour earlier than usual. If you are away on vacation and your flight is delayed or you decide to extend your trip, you can simply call your house and tell the thermostat to remain at a lower setting, saving you money on energy costs. Besides performing a single task, like turning on the lights or television set, changing the temperature on the thermostat, or brewing coffee, most home automation systems come with features that allow them to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. For example, let’s say you want to watch a movie. If you have a home automation system that responds to voice commands, you can program your system to turn on the television and DVD player, dim the lights, and start popping popcorn by giving a single voice command like, “I want to watch a move.” Regardless of the control mechanism the automation system employs, the primary benefit of having the system is to be able to program your home to perform tasks on a set schedule, and to be able to change that schedule at will. For example, you can have your house turn up the heat and turn on the exterior lights at 5:30 pm every day, right before you get home from work. In the
summer months, you can have your house water the garden during the hottest part of the day, or tell your house not to bother watering at all if rain is in the forecast. With an automated home, the world is your oyster. You can start with a small starter kit and expand your automation system to suit your needs and your budget. Many contemporary systems allow you to expand by simply plugging new appliances into an adapter that plugs into your electrical outlet. You will also need to purchase software to control your automation system and integrate your various devices, Before you purchase any automation system, be sure to do your research. Look online and see what is available, and most importantly, what you can afford. You will also need to determine what type of overall control mechanism is best for you. The voice controlled systems tend to be the most expensive, so you may want to opt for one that uses the computer, iPad, iPod, or remote control. Also, keep in mind that although home automation systems are cool, they are still a novelty for one important reason- they can be expensive. Make sure you have a budget and stick to it.
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Get Organized After the Storm
T
he past winter has been rough to say the least. Chances are good that your home is a little bit worse for wear. Now that the great thaw has ended, it’s the ideal time to assess the damage and generally spruce the place up a bit. Most of the damage that your home has probably sustained over the winter is snow (and therefore water) related. That being the case, the first things you want to check for are leaks and rotting wood. Wetness in general is a problem. The snow and ice which fell, melted, and re-froze multiple times over the winter may have caused damage to your roof. If possible, get up there and check for damage. If you don’t have easy access to your roof, check it out from below. Get into your attic or crawlspace and have a look around. If this is not an easy option, look around the top floor of your home for areas where the paint may
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be chipping or peeling. If paint is chipping in a particular spot, this may be an indication of a leak directly above the affected area. If your roof is leaking, get it fixed as soon as possible. If left unattended, the damage will only get worse. If you have a garage, check for wet or rotting wood in there as well. Other wooden features of your home’s exterior, like fences, siding or lattice work, may have begun to chip and crack over the winter. These areas should be scraped and repainted as a preemptive measure before any real damage occurs. Also, check for damaged or missing shingles or pieces of siding and replace these as soon as possible. If your have stucco on your home’s exterior check this for cracks or holes which should be sealed. Cracks in the concrete on your driveway or walkway should also be sealed, and spring is actually the best time to do this work.
Another important bit of post-winter maintenance is to clean out your gutters. Leaves and other debris tend to build up over the winter and can clog your gutters causing water to back up onto the roof. Clear these out and flush them with clean water when you are finished. Also, consider installing leaf guards which will help prevent debris from building up in the future. Last but not least, attend to your trees, bushes, and lawn. Early spring is the best time to plant grass seed, as it will have ample time to establish itself before the long, hot summer sets in. It is also the ideal time to fertilize your lawn and trees, and to prune away dead wood. There are also plenty of plants, like strawberries, that should be planted as soon as the ground thaws out. If you plan on starting a garden, look for the ideal planting times for the various fruits, vegetables, and flowers you want to grow, and plant them accordingly. www.interiornewyork.com
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Around the neighborhood
Greenpoint
Microcosm of New York City History
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amed for the picturesque landscape of lush green meadows and deciduous forest that once covered this peninsula-shaped area, Greenpoint is Brooklyn’s northernmost neighborhood. Situated between Williamsburg to the south, the East River to the west, Queens to the east, and Newtown Creek to the north, Greenpoint has long been a diverse industrial neighborhood with a strong immigrant history. Originally settled by the Keshaechqueren Indians, the area’s first European settler was a Norwegian man named Dirck Volkertsen, known by Dutch settlers as Dirck de Noorman (i.e. “Norseman”). Norman Kill Creek and Norman Ave. are both named for Greenpoint’s original European settler, who sold much of his land following several violent incidents between his family and the Keshaechqueren tribe. Two of his relations were killed and a third injured in separate incidents in the 1650s. Unfortunately, the man to whom Volkertsen sold the land did not fare much better. Jacob Hay built a home in northern Greenpoint in 1653, only to have it burned down by the tribe two years later. All the land owned by Volkertsen and Hay was eventually sold to a man named Peter Praa, whose descendants and their families would be the only residents of the area for the next hundred years. In the early 1830’s, a businessman named Neziah Bliss married into this extended family and began buying up land from his newly acquired relations. Bliss soon came to own most of the land in Greenpoint and set about making major improvements to the area. After having the land surveyed in 1834, Bliss opened a public turnpike along what is now Franklin Street in 1939. In 1850, he established regular ferry service to Manhattan, which was previously only accessible through the use of long boats. Prior to these improvements, Greenpoint was virtually cut-off from the rest of Brooklyn, with only simple dirt lanes connecting the various farms. 30 INTERIOR NEW YORK I April / May 2011
The building is fully leased. 80,000 square feet 12 units predominantly housing woodworking firms Shared spray booth and finishing room 59 kW solar power array Located in the East Williamsburg Empire Zone & North Brooklyn Industrial Business Zone
Following Bliss’ initiatives, Greenpoint was transformed into a bustling immigrant community and center of economic activity. Greenpoint’s waterfront location contributed greatly to its success. Chief among the industries that sprang up in the area was shipbuilding. The first ironclad fighting ship built by the Union during the Civil War, the USS Monitor, was built at the Continental Ironworks along with seven other ironclads. The Great Republic, which broke the existing record for the world’s largest wooden ship, was built along Newtown Creek in 1866. Other important waterborne industries in the area included: rope factories, lumber yards, printing, pottery, glassworks, and various foundries. A large influx of immigrants, first
from Ireland and Germany, followed by a large number of Polish people at the turn of the century, supported the rapid growth of industry in the area. Even today, over 40% of Greenpoint’s community claims Polish ancestry. Greenpoint continued to thrive for the first half of the 20th century. In 1950, Greenpoint suffered what was (until last year’s Gulf Oil Spill) the largest oil spill in U.S. history. An estimated 17 to 30 million gallons of oil spilled into Newtown Creek in a massive environmental disaster that haunts the community to this day. As of 2006, only about half of the oil had been cleaned up and groundwater in the area remains contaminated. There are also ongoing questions about air www.interiornewyork.com
quality in the area. Despite this setback, Greenpoint bounced back and is flourishing once again. This is due in large part to its prime location near Manhattan and the beautiful views of the city that the area provides. Like other industrial neighborhoods, many of the area’s warehouses have been converted into high-end lofts and construction in the traditionally lowslung neighborhood abounds. As with many other neighborhoods in the city that have undergone extensive gentrification, rents in the area have increased exponentially, potentially displacing the working-class residents that have traditionally inhabited the area. Under rezoning plans announced in 2005, over 7,000 new units of housing are currently in the works, along with 250,000 square feet of new retail space. The rezoning plan also calls for an effort to extend the promenade along the east river and to create a waterfront park for recreational use. Attractions in Greenpoint include many historic houses of worship dating back to the 19th century. In particular: The Episcopal Church of the Ascension (the oldest church in Greenpoint) (1853), the Saint Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church (1875), Saint Stanislaus Church (which serves as a shrine for the Polish community) (1896), and the synagogue building of Congregation Ahavas Israel (1903). For secular fun in the area, try McCarren Park which hosts events throughout the year, including the annual Summer Screen outdoor movie series. You can also check out the famous Peter Luger Steakhouse or take a tour of the Brooklyn Brewery. www.interiornewyork.com
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Garden Sculptures of the world
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a Photo essay
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Around the neighborhood
What a winter!
Blizzards, Ice, and Thunder Snow, Oh My!
This winter has been brutal. In fact, on a scale from “mild” to “complete suck-fest,” I would rate this year’s winter rated as, “unbelievably, mind-bogglingly horrible.” So far, we have had over 57 inches of snow this winter, and there is still a month to go. The city’s disastrous response to our December 26th blizzard and its aftermath should have been a tip off to us all that this one was going to be a doozey, but I think it also lulled us into a false sense of security. Surely, the clean-up efforts would be much better for subsequent storms- and they were. Of course, this does not excuse city officials or other culpable parties from their responsibility for said disaster. Anecdotal evidence points to a deliberate effort to sabotage the clean-up effort by sanitation workers, but these allegations have not been definitively corroborated. The failure of city officials to declare a snow emergency, and thus muster all available resources, certainly played a part in the slow response. As someone who has spent a great deal of time in upstate New York (where we regularly get 4 to 5 feet of snow in any given winter), I can tell you that once you fall behind in plowing it is nearly impossible to catch up. Given the fact that it was the day 34 INTERIOR NEW YORK I April / May 2011
after Christmas, and the storm was already well underway, it is not surprising that people didn’t come in to work when finally called upon to do so. Roads quickly became impassable and public transportation was also affected. Despite the city’s subsequent effort to remove snow in a timely manner, the damage was already done. Two people, including a newborn child, died as a result of ambulances not being able to get to them, a tragedy which should not be forgotten. The public was outraged, with reason, laying the groundwork for a very bitter winter. The problem soon became that the snow just kept falling. Eight more snowstorms followed the initial blizzard, causing massive frustration (not to mention severe backache from all the shoveling) among the public. They say that the winter of ‘95 through ’96 was worse (there was about 79 inches of snow that winter), but I was here and I really don’t remember it being this bad. I certainly don’t remember the pile of snow by my curb being up to my head, or having to wonder, as I shoveled, where I would put it if we got any more. After the city’s last 19-inch snowstorm, I was outside, shoveling, and I laughed to
myself as I thought: “This is it. This is the end. If this keeps up much longer, the entire city will be buried and cease to exist.” I jokingly wondered if the Earth had secretly been replaced by the ice planet Hoth (from Star Wars) while I slept. On top of the snowfall, we have had an ice storm, bitter cold, and something called “thunder snow.” The latter phenomena was something with which I was not familiar (which is actually saying something because I actually consider myself to be something of a science geek). Apparently, thunder and lightning are caused by differences in temperature between the upper and lower atmosphere, and they can occur in winter. We have had two incidents of thunder snow this winter, occurring exactly one month apart, during the Dec. 26th blizzard and the Jan. 26th snowstorm. Fortunately, we’ve gotten some rain and a few warm days since then. The piles of snow have begun to melt, only to reveal the mounds of uncollected garbage contained therein. It’s like a piñata, except that instead of delicious sweets, we get last month’s circulars and some disintegrated Christmas trees. On the bright side, the groundhog has predicted an early spring. Let’s hope he’s right! www.interiornewyork.com
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