Sunset, Outside Battery Park City

Photo by myself on the West Side Highway, outside Battery Park City.

Here's a photo I took while we were driving on the West Side Highway. The day was ending and we were heading back home to Brooklyn. The buildings to the far right are across the Hudson River, in New Jersey.

Unfortunately all the buildings in Battery Park City were built at once and look very similar to each other. Individually they aren't so interesting and as a group they form an imposing mass of towers.

Perhaps the best part of this area is Battery Park, along the water's edge. The grounds are extremely well kept, and you can walk (or jog or bike or rollerblade) quite a distance, with great views out to New Jersey and the Statue of Liberty.

If you want to have a serious driving experience, take the West Side Highway or FDR Drive along the East River. These are fast, twisty-turny roads, teeming with aggressive drivers and cabbies. Not for the faint of heart!

Related posts: All Abloom, in Battery Park City, Running Along the Edge of Manhattan and On the West Side Highway.

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New York's Finest, on the Hudson River

Photo by myself in Battery Park, along the Hudson River.

I'm not sure what was being discussed among the above fellows.

The weather? How many drug busts had taken place that morning? Dead body count? The latest Nicks game?

Good to know that our waters are being patrolled as often as our streets and subways.

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Ever wonder what happens to all the merchandise seized by the NYPD?

Rolex watches, cars, jewelry, electronics...you name it, are auctioned off to the public online, at propertyroom.com.

I have to say that getting jewelry or other valuables at this site is better than shopping on ebay, for example. On the Property Room site, you know the goods are real, since they've been verified by authorities.

In case you're wondering, there is photographic equipment up for grabs, too. Lenses, SLRs and digital cameras are available, though many items are untested and are sold 'as is'.

Last but not least, winners get bragging rights that their goods were 'hot'!

Related posts: NYPD Blues, NYPD in Action, Underground and Policing the Subway, Midtown.

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Running Along the Edge of Manhattan

Photo by myself in Battery Park City.

Pictured above, one of the many runners we encountered during our afternoon in Battery Park City. The park is located at the edge of Manhattan. Beyond, you can see the Hudson River and Jersey City, New Jersey.

The thing about living on an island is that when you look out, you can't see what's behind you. Simple logic, I know, but there it is.

Battery Park City is a complex of many modern apartment buildings, similar to those near Riverside Park. They were all constructed at the same time, in the 1980s, and are a product of that time - pinkish granite, punched windows, vaguely post-modern.

Many people criticize Battery Park City for not being too great to look at, and I have to agree. The neighborhood lacks the charm and majesty of the older buildings, like those along Fifth Avenue or Central Park West.

Fortunately, though, you don't see what's behind you.

Related posts: Looking Out at Manhattan, Running Atop the Brooklyn Bridge and Something Old, Something New.

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All Abloom, in Battery Park City

Photo by myself at the Oval Lawn, in Battery Park City.

A small grove of cherry trees bloomed in the heart of Battery Park City at the southern tip of Manhattan, surrounded by tall apartment buildings.

Families, runners, saunterers and sun worshipers were out in full force, Saturday, enjoying the good weather. The park in Battery Park City winds along the waterfront. You can walk along the water or tuck into shaded garden areas.

The park is relatively new and is very well maintained. From here, you have clear views of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the New Jersey shoreline.

Saturday afternoon, Mark, Rupert and I toured around the 36-acre park. One loop around is a long walk. There is also a marina for small boats, a ferry terminal and a dog run. Rupert had a grand time sniffing about and met some Manhattan buddies.

For a map of the park in Battery Park City, click here. (The blue in the map designates buildings, not water).
For detailed information about all aspects of Battery Park City, click here.



Related posts: Happy Summer, The Community Garden - An Urban Oasis and A Touch of Nature, in Prospect Park.

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Looking out at Manhattan

Photo by myself in Brooklyn Heights, on what's called the Brooklyn Promenade.

The view of lower Manhattan from the Brooklyn waterfront is pretty nice. Out of frame are the number of large historical houses along the water. Norman Mailer is rumored to have lived in the most beautiful one.

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For some reason I decided to walk around Battery Park City and the Brooklyn promenade this afternoon to take some photos. I'm not sure why I decided on this plan, since it was about 45 degrees today, with a constant, brisk wind. It was even colder by the water.

Downtown was overrun with tourists milling about the narrow sidewalks. The viewing platform at the World Trade Center and the department store Century 21 were completely packed. Century 21 is known for offering designer clothing and accessories at discounted prices. Be prepared to root around and compete with crowds.

I stepped into Century 21 for a brief moment, then immediately regretted it and skedaddled. The crowds were overwhelming. I wouldn't recommend going on a weekend or during a normal hour.

Now I'm home, with the cat snuggled alongside me on the couch. My stomach is full of spaghetti bolognese. The chill is finally out of my bones.

Life is good.

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