My journey seeking to document dystopian NYC

[MrSquished]

I wasn’t referring to the rural areas but the Nimby suburban zones just outside the urban cores, although for NYC, those suburban zones keep creeping and expanding up the Hudson River.

It's unsustainable. The jobs are in the cities. The pandemic may increase WFH but that is still up in the air how permanent that will be and for how many.

From what I am reading online, residential rents in NYC are starting to correct themselves in some neighborhoods, but some buildings can only do so much - they are financed by banks so they won't let those buildings lower rents too much. I am reading folks who say they are seeing deals in Manhattan to circumvent this, sign a year lease and get 3 months free seems to be the most common. Others are reporting significant drops in rent in their buildings in a FB group I'm in. Some say they are seeing small drops. Some neighborhoods I read are staying the same, like Park Slope for example. Some of those units in certain neighborhoods like that are so desirable that when a family decides to relocate to the suburbs and give it up, they are snatched up at no reduction.

Who knows what will happen. So many factors at play. The suburban zoning laws are unsustainable if the jobs stay in NYC and people don't want to commute too far. Something has to give. Best case scenario is prices adjust overall and when the jobs come back, so will the people. I don't think Wall Street is just going to move out of NYC to Kansas at this point.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

Warriors, come out to play-yeh

Coolest shitty movie eveh

 

[Muse]

Hey, I was born in Manhattan, in Washington Heights. Visited a few years ago, staying with cousin who long-time-lives in rent controlled apartment in Manhattan (he's SIP in his Poughkeepsie house for the time being, though). Walked all over Manhattan, well, much of it.

Yeah, they beat back the bug, not a plethora of anti-antifas in NYC, me thinks. Plenty of dopes elsewhere in this land, though. Hopefully sanity will prevail.

Thanks for the little magazine article here, @MrSquished !

 

[pauldun170]

It's unsustainable. The jobs are in the cities. The pandemic may increase WFH but that is still up in the air how permanent that will be and for how many.

From what I am reading online, residential rents in NYC are starting to correct themselves in some neighborhoods, but some buildings can only do so much - they are financed by banks so they won't let those buildings lower rents too much. I am reading folks who say they are seeing deals in Manhattan to circumvent this, sign a year lease and get 3 months free seems to be the most common. Others are reporting significant drops in rent in their buildings in a FB group I'm in. Some say they are seeing small drops. Some neighborhoods I read are staying the same, like Park Slope for example. Some of those units in certain neighborhoods like that are so desirable that when a family decides to relocate to the suburbs and give it up, they are snatched up at no reduction.

Who knows what will happen. So many factors at play. The suburban zoning laws are unsustainable if the jobs stay in NYC and people don't want to commute too far. Something has to give. Best case scenario is prices adjust overall and when the jobs come back, so will the people. I don't think Wall Street is just going to move out of NYC to Kansas at this point.

My sister just got an awesome deal on an apartment in a historic building downtown.
It was only 100 bucks more than her current place in Washington Heights.

 

[ivwshane]

My sister just got an awesome deal on an apartment in a historic building downtown.
It was only 100 bucks more than her current place in Washington Heights.

Looks like I called it then

So what’s the problem? Less rich people means less demand, less demand should mean lower prices for things such as housing. Sounds like a good thing to me.

 

[MrSquished]

Yesterday I rode thirtysomething miles from downtown Manhattan to Coney Island and back using two different routes, so we saw a variety of areas. Lost count of how many different neighborhoods we went through. I took less photos and just enjoyed the views and socializing with people in the group, but my camera was ready in case we ran into anarchy, Antifa mobs, BLM thugs, swarms of rats and festering piles of garbage. I was definitely going to take pics of that. Instead I saw a city enjoying the waning days of summer all over the place - jazz bands and drum bands in the parks, fishermen fishing, families walking, kids playing, riders and runners everywhere, outdoor diners galore, a bride and groom on the Brooklyn Bridge, etc...

The only destruction I saw was two overflowing trash cans on MacDougal street in the Village near Washington Square Park where I stopped to eat after the ride. Golly gee. Then I read in the news today that the DOJ has decreed NYC an anarchist jurisdiction so they can attempt to take federal funds away from the city - the city that donates the most federal funds that the shithole red states then take and use. This administration and anyone who supports it are filth.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Yesterday I rode thirtysomething miles from downtown Manhattan to Coney Island and back using two different routes, so we saw a variety of areas. Lost count of how many different neighborhoods we went through. I took less photos and just enjoyed the views and socializing with people in the group, but my camera was ready in case we ran into anarchy, Antifa mobs, BLM thugs, swarms of rats and festering piles of garbage. I was definitely going to take pics of that. Instead I saw a city enjoying the waning days of summer all over the place - jazz bands and drum bands in the parks, fishermen fishing, families walking, kids playing, riders and runners everywhere, outdoor diners galore, a bride and groom on the Brooklyn Bridge, etc...

The only destruction I saw was two overflowing trash cans on MacDougal street in the Village near Washington Square Park where I stopped to eat after the ride. Golly gee. Then I read in the news today that the DOJ has decreed NYC an anarchist jurisdiction so they can attempt to take federal funds away from the city - the city that donates the most federal funds that the shithole red states then take and use. This administration and anyone who supports it are filth.

View attachment 30286View attachment 30287View attachment 30288View attachment 30289

Beautiful day for a ride

 

[soulcougher73]

Yesterday I rode thirtysomething miles from downtown Manhattan to Coney Island and back using two different routes, so we saw a variety of areas. Lost count of how many different neighborhoods we went through. I took less photos and just enjoyed the views and socializing with people in the group, but my camera was ready in case we ran into anarchy, Antifa mobs, BLM thugs, swarms of rats and festering piles of garbage. I was definitely going to take pics of that. Instead I saw a city enjoying the waning days of summer all over the place - jazz bands and drum bands in the parks, fishermen fishing, families walking, kids playing, riders and runners everywhere, outdoor diners galore, a bride and groom on the Brooklyn Bridge, etc...

The only destruction I saw was two overflowing trash cans on MacDougal street in the Village near Washington Square Park where I stopped to eat after the ride. Golly gee. Then I read in the news today that the DOJ has decreed NYC an anarchist jurisdiction so they can attempt to take federal funds away from the city - the city that donates the most federal funds that the shithole red states then take and use. This administration and anyone who supports it are filth.

Wow. So many Antifa. I dont think i saw a single non-Antifa in any of your pics. Such a dystopian city.

 

[pauldun170]

What the ever living F

Justice Department deems New York City, Portland and Seattle 'anarchist jurisdictions'

Trump ordered a review of federal funding to locales where violence has occurred, and he has made ridicule of those cities a regular feature of campaign appearances.

www.nbcnews.com

Justice Department brands NYC an 'anarchist jurisdiction'

The Justice Department declared New York City, Portland and Seattle as 'anarchist jurisdictions that can have federal funding ripped away for failing to clamp down on violence according to its criteria.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[pauldun170]

One of things I missed this summer was my lunchtime walk to Washington Square Park.
Did they finally finish construction on 4th by NYU?

 

[ch33zw1z]

Wow. So many Antifa. I dont think i saw a single non-Antifa in any of your pics. Such a dystopian city.

Just like the bowling green massacre #never_remember

 

[K1052]

The supreme irony is that pulling federal funding from municipalities who are already facing huge shortfalls could in fact defund the police as services are cut. Cops and their overtime especially are big ticket items.

 

[MrSquished]

The supreme irony is that pulling federal funding from municipalities who are already facing huge shortfalls could in fact defund the police as services are cut. Cops and their overtime especially are big ticket items.

I don't think this will make it through the courts but it just shows how vile Trump and Barr are

 

[Muse]

What the ever living F

Justice Department deems New York City, Portland and Seattle 'anarchist jurisdictions'

Trump ordered a review of federal funding to locales where violence has occurred, and he has made ridicule of those cities a regular feature of campaign appearances.

www.nbcnews.com

Justice Department brands NYC an 'anarchist jurisdiction'

The Justice Department declared New York City, Portland and Seattle as 'anarchist jurisdictions that can have federal funding ripped away for failing to clamp down on violence according to its criteria.

www.dailymail.co.uk

William barr is what's left over after the rats eat the garbage.

 

[fskimospy]

The supreme irony is that pulling federal funding from municipalities who are already facing huge shortfalls could in fact defund the police as services are cut. Cops and their overtime especially are big ticket items.

They don’t care about that. I suspect the very clear message they are trying to send to NYC and NYS is ‘stop investigating Trump immediately’. No joke, if they canceled the grand jury subpoenas tomorrow I bet Trump would withdraw this. In the end though it will be overturned by the courts.

Wonder where all those 10th amendment conservatives got to these days.

 

[K1052]

Re: doomed NYC

Commercial districts outside Manhattan recovering. NYC is a lot more than tourists and midtown office workers though it's a big chunk of the economy.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1307808101727457281

 

[fskimospy]

Re: doomed NYC

Commercial districts outside Manhattan recovering. NYC is a lot more than tourists and midtown office workers though it's a big chunk of the economy.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1307808101727457281

Makes sense to me, my neighborhood has actually turned into a big street fair with outdoor dining and all sorts of other stuff, it’s more fun now than it was before.

I think this could have a number of long term good effects for NYC, creating more outdoor bars and restaurants, eliminating a big swath of street parking, and converting streets into pedestrian areas.

 

[DarthKyrie]

Yesterday I rode thirtysomething miles from downtown Manhattan to Coney Island and back using two different routes, so we saw a variety of areas. Lost count of how many different neighborhoods we went through. I took less photos and just enjoyed the views and socializing with people in the group, but my camera was ready in case we ran into anarchy, Antifa mobs, BLM thugs, swarms of rats and festering piles of garbage. I was definitely going to take pics of that. Instead I saw a city enjoying the waning days of summer all over the place - jazz bands and drum bands in the parks, fishermen fishing, families walking, kids playing, riders and runners everywhere, outdoor diners galore, a bride and groom on the Brooklyn Bridge, etc...

The only destruction I saw was two overflowing trash cans on MacDougal street in the Village near Washington Square Park where I stopped to eat after the ride. Golly gee. Then I read in the news today that the DOJ has decreed NYC an anarchist jurisdiction so they can attempt to take federal funds away from the city - the city that donates the most federal funds that the shithole red states then take and use. This administration and anyone who supports it are filth.

View attachment 30286View attachment 30287View attachment 30288View attachment 30289

WOW, that looks like such a shithole. How are you able to ride with all that violence raging around you?

Off topic: as a bike rider did you happen to watch the Tour de France? It was amazing this year, I saw shit that I have never seen before, truly amazing race this year. Very strange without a lot of the fans.

 

[K1052]

Makes sense to me, my neighborhood has actually turned into a big street fair with outdoor dining and all sorts of other stuff, it’s more fun now than it was before.

I think this could have a number of long term good effects for NYC, creating more outdoor bars and restaurants, eliminating a big swath of street parking, and converting streets into pedestrian areas.

Yeah pre-covid there was a lot of resistance to non car uses for streets/parking. In the before times it was "We can't be like Europe because grandma has to visit the dry cleaners/pharmacy/hospital and absolutely must street park right outside" which has somewhat shifted to "Holy Shit this is great we can be like Europe".

 

[fskimospy]

Yeah pre-covid there was a lot of resistance to non car uses for streets/parking. In the before times it was "We can't be like Europe because grandma has to visit the dry cleaners/pharmacy/hospital and absolutely must street park right outside" which has somewhat shifted to "Holy Shit this is great we can be like Europe".

Yes, there needs to be a fundamental realignment where we stop prioritizing the convenience of a few, very loud individuals and start doing what’s right for the city.

Ban cars from lots more streets. Eliminate street parking in Manhattan for the most part. Cut out like half the bus stops. NYC is already great but with a few common sense reforms could be so much better.

 

[MrSquished]

One of things I missed this summer was my lunchtime walk to Washington Square Park.
Did they finally finish construction on 4th by NYU?

I did walk through Washington Square Park thinking it would be a breeding ground for Antifa mobs but saw nothing but artists selling their wares and people enjoying their evening. I only crossed 4th street briefly to get to MacDougal but don't remember any construction down there

 

[pauldun170]

Found the anarchy.
Pedestrian crossing when they have a green light, walk sign and right of way

https://twitter.com/x/status/1306977155935592448

 

[ch33zw1z]

Found the anarchy.
Pedestrian crossing when they have a green light, walk sign and right of way

https://twitter.com/x/status/1306977155935592448

Who cares, it's only tax payers money for the settlement

 

[MrSquished]

What the ever living F

Justice Department deems New York City, Portland and Seattle 'anarchist jurisdictions'

Trump ordered a review of federal funding to locales where violence has occurred, and he has made ridicule of those cities a regular feature of campaign appearances.

www.nbcnews.com

Justice Department brands NYC an 'anarchist jurisdiction'

The Justice Department declared New York City, Portland and Seattle as 'anarchist jurisdictions that can have federal funding ripped away for failing to clamp down on violence according to its criteria.

www.dailymail.co.uk

This just furthers my argument that secession may be the only answer in this divided country. Red America will only get extreme joy from moves like this. I don't want to be associated with them any longer, it's a stain on our existence.

 

[MrSquished]

Yes, there needs to be a fundamental realignment where we stop prioritizing the convenience of a few, very loud individuals and start doing what’s right for the city.

Ban cars from lots more streets. Eliminate street parking in Manhattan for the most part. Cut out like half the bus stops. NYC is already great but with a few common sense reforms could be so much better.

Agreed. As a recreational bicyclist who lives in urban NJ but rides in NYC often enough, I follow some of the transportation activists on social media. While I think they can be too extreme, the car in many cases is just taking up too much space and causing too much mess in the city and needs to be tempered. For a few rides when I saw traffic and rode past it I would count how many cars had just 1 person in them, and it was most of them. Taking up all that space, polluting, etc... Hopefully out of this mess that is Covid something good comes of these street closures and conversion of parking spaces.

Maybe if blue metropolitan areas didn't have to subsidize regressive red rural areas we could invest all that money in more mass transit initiatives, projects, and bike infrastructure. Lessen reliance on cars. Instead all this time we've been subsidizing them and most of us were just going about our business, and they are attacking our way of life via Trump. Fuck them. Take the dollars back, they can keep the racism.