Extra, Extra

- In case you missed the awesome tip: New Jersey is closed.
- An 18-year-old parking attendent in Chelsea died after crashing a bike he was parking yesterday.
- Oh, to be a helicopter cop.
- First Manhattan got Joey Ramone Place and now Brooklkyn has Bob Marley Boulevard.
- The Times has a great story on how Manhattan's grid almost didn't happen.
- Four town houses on 56th may go the way of Penn Station.
- A note to young women thinking of becoming Madams: Encrypt your records!
- See, this is why squirrels creep us out.
- And finally: The Top 100 Things I'd Do If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Garth Johnston in Miscellaneous on July 2, 2006 6:06 PM

Comments [rss]

timbnyc

I thought I read in "Gotham" that the committee that came up with the grid recommended it because it allowed property owners to make the greatest use of the land, i.e., corners at 90 degree angles, so buildings could be built right up to the property line. It's an instructive read, because the commission was charged with things like "ensuring the healthful circulation of air" and yet came back with the grid and only the above justification for it. Also, the lack of parks was explained by suggesting that people did and would continue to get their recreation at the waterfront. Of course, the waterfront then became off-limits becauseit was industrialized; now that industry is gone, it's a land-grab by private developers. Remember, you were promised the waterfront almost 200 years ago in exchange for no parks in the interior. Insist on the bargain that was made!

bklyn'er

Police helicopters: "We're basically a bunch of big boys who like big expensive toys," said Deputy Inspector Joseph Gallucci, the unit's commander..."

Yeah, okay, but could you please not fly so low over my apartment building in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn? Sometimes they fly so low that the propellers actually cast shadows on the walls in my apartment. That is way too low (and much too noisy).