Quality of Life--Or Lack Thereof
We’re sure we’ll get accused of being a heartless elitist and some wise-ass will tell us to move to the suburbs, but there are some quality of life issues that can make you question whether living in the big city is really worth it. In our temporary perch in South Williamsburg, for example, noise is…
We’re sure we’ll get accused of being a heartless elitist and some wise-ass will tell us to move to the suburbs, but there are some quality of life issues that can make you question whether living in the big city is really worth it. In our temporary perch in South Williamsburg, for example, noise is the biggest problem for sure. The one-in-the-morning commercial garbage pick-ups outside our bedroom window three nights a week, the next door neighbor with the mufferless motorcycle and the constant drilling and banging from neighboring construction sites are enough to drive anyone crazy. Even though we’re not living in the Clinton Hill house yet, homelessness has been by far the biggest problem there: During the past several months, we’ve had to dislodge three different people who decided our stoop was an ideal spot to sleep, eat, shoot up and relieve themselves–without even the decency to clean up after any of those activities. When asked to move on by us, initially quite non-confrontationally, we were often met with an indignant sense of entitlement, as though they had a right to be there. It’s mighty hard not to let one’s liberal values lapse when your 2-year-old has to navigate her way through crack pipes and pools of urine to make it in your front door.
But enough about us. Here are the top five complaints of Brooklynites from the recent straw poll conducted by Citizens for NYC and Baruch College and reported in today’s NY Post:
1. Dirty Streets
2. Potholes
3. Drug Dealing
4. Vandalism/Graffiti
5. Dangerous Intersections
Top City Gripes [NY Post]
Well in my little section of PS – btween 4th and 5th my neighbors are so racked with class guilt that despite 3 gunpoint robberies, a homicide and numerous burglaries in the past year, they oppose calling the police regarding the marijuana dealing coming from their neighbors building, and think the dice game on Union is a “cultural” bonus.
Actually, it’s not just a matter of cleaning up their own garbage. It turns out neighbors and/or nearby contractors are paying the homeless guys to dump bags full of debris (sometimes air conditioners, sinks, etc.) in our front area in the middle of the night. Granted, that should stop when we move in. Ah, neighborliness.
Anonymous with the Bucket has a good point. Although the initial post by Brownstoner would have been clearer if B’stner elaborated on the extreme messes at hand, its not realistic to assume that someone high on crack or mentally ill is going to put his garbage in the bin. Until B’stoner actually moves into the house and can police, compassion and understanding is really your only option.
Also, for those defending people who sh*t on people’s stoops, being homeless or down on your luck does not give someone license to trespass on people’s property or break the law with impunity. You may be able to feel compassion for their situation, but it does not make what they do right, nor does it make trying to clean up your stoop or reporting petty crime and drug dealing on your block to the police, something one should feel guilty about. It does not matter what neighborhood you live in, or your income level. Such behavior is not acceptable. I’m sure all would agree that a low income family in a bad neighborhood (or any neighborhood) should not have to deal with such a situation and should have the right to complain about it and seek recourse. Why shouldn’t a more affluent brownstone owner have the same rights?
I totally support you Bstoner. No need to feel any guilt. I live a couple of block from where your new place is and it is fine. I think once it is understood people live in your bstone, there will be less of an issue. Also, once you get to know the neighbors, I’m sure they’ll keep an eye out too. I know if I saw someone sleeping, shooting up or using the bathroom in my neighbors yard, I’d have something to say about it (whether the house was vacant or not). Put in a complaint with the police too, tell them to keep an eye on it. They won’t come by though unless the person leaving trash on your stoop is actually there.
Entertained,
By clean up, we mean not leave blankets, crack pipes, take-out cartons, etc. directly in front of our door. A lot to ask, we know.
keep up the enforcement, brownstoner, and don’t feel an ounce of guilt. there’s nothing about cleanliness and respect for property that contradict liberal values.
LOL…No offense Brownie, but I can only chuckle at your scenario and realize that the worst of my days like those are pretty much over now that I am in the burbs. After 30 some odd years of NYC living with all the traffic, congestion, litter, dog poop, drunks, bums, ghetto blasters, reefer, and assorted what nots, my suburban nabe is relatively tame by comparison. Sure, there are the occasional punk kids with the loud scooters and july fourth becomes a war zone of bottle rockets, but overall it is stress free. And that is just what I need.
I’ll leave the “pioneering” to those who value “vintage architecture” over a less stressful physical environment.
“Even though we’re not living in the Clinton Hill house yet, homelessness has been by far the biggest problem there: During the past several months, we’ve had to dislodge three different people who decided our stoop was an ideal spot to sleep, eat, shoot up and relieve themselves–without even the decency to clean up after any of those activities.”
This website is gettin to be very entertaining. Yesterday Brownstoner is glad he (she?) left those horrible materialistic people in Manhattan; today we’re wondering why homeless (possibly drug-addicted, mentally ill) people don’t have manners. Aaah, I love New York.
By the way, “clean up after themselves” — with what exactly? I know when I was homeless I carried a bucket and windex with me at all times.