Battle Over Atlantic Ave Tunnel Tours Continues
Yesterday City Room had an update on the battle between Bob Diamond and the Department of Transportation over the very popular tours Diamond runs of the Atlantic Avenue train tunnel. In December the Department of Transportation stopped allowing access to the tunnel because of safety concerns raised by the Fire Department. Diamond filed a notice…
Yesterday City Room had an update on the battle between Bob Diamond and the Department of Transportation over the very popular tours Diamond runs of the Atlantic Avenue train tunnel. In December the Department of Transportation stopped allowing access to the tunnel because of safety concerns raised by the Fire Department. Diamond filed a notice of claim last month, according to City Room, “a precursor to bringing a lawsuit against the city demands that the tunnel be reopened to him and says he wants $2.5 million in damages. ‘If they don’t want to open the tunnel, they have to pay me for my intellectual property,’ he said. ‘I discovered the tunnel and spent 30 years of my life developing and publicizing it into a historical treasure and tourist destination. That is worth money.'” Here’s hoping there’s a swift resolution to this one, as it would be a shame if access to the tunnel—not to mention Diamond’s life work—went out like this.
Fighting to Return to a Subway Vault [City Room]
Photo by Susan NYC.
Who are these petulant, self-righteous weasels who comment on these blogs? I really don’t get it. These tours that everyone enjoys were only made possible because of Diamond’s 30 years of persistent, thankless work, but the busybody naysayers can only pile on to gloat over his misfortune. I love the little prick who demands a “full accounting” of his $15 that was “stolen” since, as a taxpayer, he “owns the hole.” What the hell is wrong with people?
BHG – such a douche
people like wildman steve brill have tours on city property. the parks department leaves him alone but doesn’t officially allow foraging due to ….you guessed it…. frivolous lawsuits. after his arrest in the mid-80’s they laid off on him.
Well, this is not a leafy park. This is a abandoned tunnel. In new york city, where $1 billion has been paid out in city lawsuit settlements over the past 10 years. The most litigious square foot on the face of the planet, bar none. Heck, even your borough president cashed out on his own private slip and fall settlement.
I’m sick and tired of supporting millions of lazy freeloaders and sleazy personal injury lawyers. (btw that line is a jury duty killer)
How this guy got his permit in the first place is a head scratcher. Then again, this is brooklyn where anything can be arranged for a little green under the table.
Taxes are too damn high, screw the tunnel.
Diamond is a difficult and eccentric individual who’s given the city back a great treasure. Whatever the outcome, let’s hope the over-regulated nanny state of NYC doesn’t put the kibosh on the tunnel tour; with its air of unregulated wildness, discovery and, yes, a bit of danger, it’s a refreshing jolt of real, unvarnished history. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before it gets shuttered forever for being non-handicapped-accessible and possibly containing “toxic mold” and not having electrical outlets the correct number of inches apart…
I think the tours are great. They were considered safe by FDNY and other City agencies for many years and I doubt that anything has changed except, maybe, Diamond pissed off someone in City Gov’t and is getting retaliatory pay back.
At least I’m a well adjusted happy moron.
BHillGuy- if you are so concerned about sweetheart deals made by the city, start with the Yankees. Your anger at this guy seems a bit over the top. This blog is about the increasing value of real estate. Well, that’s what’s happened with this tunnel. The city made a deal when it wasn’t interested in the potential use of the tunnel, so he obtains the benefit. If he did not employ his time and energy, there would be no tours at all. So, he has provided a benefit to the city, which is reflected in the low license fee. Save your bile for the fatcats who truly rob the citizens of this city with their sweetheart deals and no bid contracts.
If you’d “happily” pay $30 to climb into a hole and listen to Bob give that tour again you’re a moron and deserve to be stolen from.
I don’t feel he’s stealing from me. In fact, I loved him and the tour so much that I’d have happily paid him double! Sorry you’re so angry.