Developer Decapitates Streetlamp Outside Minerva
It’s not unusual that a developer of a new building makes a street darker, but it’s usually by blocking light and views. In Greenwood Heights, though, one developer is doing it another way: By decapitating streetlights. This photo comes to us via the Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights, who are concerned that the developer of…
It’s not unusual that a developer of a new building makes a street darker, but it’s usually by blocking light and views. In Greenwood Heights, though, one developer is doing it another way: By decapitating streetlights. This photo comes to us via the Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights, who are concerned that the developer of 620 7th Avenue, formerly known as the Minerva, got DOT to remove a streetlight at the corner of 23rd Street and 7th Avenue without any kind of community review or notification because he was worried it would shine too brightly into the windows of the new townhouses he has built right there (most of which have sold). Given the safety concerns alone, this certainly seems troubling on its surface. Hopefully there will be more details on the case forthcoming.
What I was stating? I thought it fairly obvious.
“Somebody got paid off”
“wouldnt it just be outright illegal to cut down street lamps?”
“I’m guessing this is illegal and once the City knows about it, they will love fining the developer since we need the money.”
“the developer is also a liar”
While the article clearly states:
“got DOT to remove a streetlight at the corner of 23rd Street and 7th”.
Whether or not proper procedure and protocol was followed by DOT is a seperate issue hence “the right to vote comment”. If it was improper to proceed, then DOT should have addressed that and said no.
that’s the dead end of 7th ave, cornered up against the cemetery, so it’s gonna be pitch black w/out that streetlight, for sure. no other light spilling from anywhere to help illuminate the street. seems like a small thing, but that missing light will make the corner kinda spooky…
this story sounds like a total fabrication. let’s see some proof please.
“Everyone is upset because they didn’t get to vote here.”
Huh? If you mean the folks in the community (or Community Board) had no clue, nor were advised, yes? Otherwise I have no idea what you are stating.
It is typical for DOT to do a traffic/safety study for even the smallest of modifications. And also typical for a local Community Board’s transportation or safety committees to be made aware of a change, much like the addition of a new traffic light or stop sign…or road work.
give me a break! if you don’t like street lamps – move to the suburbs! i grew up on a block with a street lamp directly across from our house. we were used to it & when the bulb blew out – it was pitch black and scary! we couldn’t wait for them to fix it. this is an accident waiting to happen – i mean this is new york f…ing city, no matter what hood your in. don’t like it – leave!
Tybur6, that’s for the constructive discussion.
No, the world’s not gonna end, however, having traveled up and down that block during the day and night, on foot and by car, it’s an accident waiting to happen.
Especially when you consider the curb-cut-palooza going on on the Ave and St side of the property.
I can totally see a new condo owner zipping into 620’s garage as a friend’s stroller-mom better half rounds the corner and gets side-swiped at dusk.
And then there’s the definite possibility of safety concerns on that dark corner. While we should have no fear from the neighbors in Green-Wood causing an issues, the fact it is very dark and quite begets other denizens of the night.
And for what? Someone has to put shades in their windows? Give me a break.
Chalk up another mark on the a-hole board for this developer.
I guess you all are having trouble reading:
“got DOT to remove a streetlight at the corner of 23rd Street and 7th”.
Everyone is upset because they didn’t get to vote here.
rob- the developer is also a liar. Street lamps have long extended arms that go out over the street and do not face the building.
I’m guessing this is illegal and once the City knows about it, they will love fining the developer since we need the money. Maybe the city will replace them with huge brilliant mercury lamps like they have in Home Despot. Then he’d know what “bright” is.