What is this thing?

It is probably an air vent. Some Saturday when you have nothing to do, take a grinder with an 80-grit flap sander wheel on it and take out your frustrations on it. Get it down to the bare metal and then paint it flat black with paint that allows for easy graffiti removal. Think of it as urban chic.

charlesweinstein

in Sidewalks 9 years and 9 months ago

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tranzfuse | 9 years and 9 months ago

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We have recently purchased a house and this metal tower thing is on the sidewalk, right outside of our window. Does anyone know what it is? We have heard it may be an old MTA or sewer vent – 311 couldn’t help me because we could not explain what it was. We are trying to figure out what it is so we can have it removed. Thanks!

http://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5655/20502717034_1c9a8e2ac2_b.jpg

no-permits | 9 years and 9 months ago

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i’ve seen a bunch of these and they are subway exhaust vents. i believe that is what yours is. I don’t think there’s anything you can do to remove it.

mozeeatupu | 9 years and 9 months ago

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You probably have as much power to remove that house across without a floor as you do some city infrastructure installed on the sidewalk. Although, long shot, they might replace it with a new stainless steel round one

tranzfuse | 9 years and 9 months ago

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Haha @mozeeatupu. You’re probably right. I’ll have another go with 311 and see what comes of it. Thank you both.

mozeeatupu | 9 years and 9 months ago

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Contact the MTA also. http://mta-nyc.custhelp.com/app/ask

catboot | 9 years and 9 months ago

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Doubt they will remove it, but maybe you can paint it.

workisfun | 9 years and 9 months ago

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or plant vines on it. does exhaust actually come out of it? if so, it could make a GREAT halloween prop with a costume over it.

tranzfuse | 9 years and 9 months ago

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I’ve not seen exhaust coming out of it (yet). It’s quite old, and there’s a small opening near the bottom of it that is filled with garbage. It would be fun to paint it silver or gold and place a statue/bust on top. Turn it into art. Or dress it up as a tree. Trees are nice.

BenGazi | 9 years and 9 months ago

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Do not mess with it. It is a portal to the first circle.

slopefarm | 9 years and 9 months ago

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Monolith from 2001\.

dexpediter | 9 years and 9 months ago

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It is almost certainly a vent most likely for storm drainage during a large runoff. where is it?

tranzfuse | 9 years and 9 months ago

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This thing is on Lafayette Ave close to Nostrand.