Open Thread Wednesday

anyone have a solid lead on what’s going to go into the Banana Republic space? On a separate note, any recos on really good, reliable and reasonable licensed contractors for bathroom and kitchen remodel? thanks!

A left turn arrow there is a great idea. As it is right now, left-turning cars and pedestrians crossing Clark have to compete for the same very limited window when that light is green. I have no idea who decides where to install new traffic signals though, I assume it would begin with a petition to the DOT or something like that.

The issue with this corner, are that the bushes planted on the median block the drivers full view, so many cars are so preoccupied trying to see if there are any oncoming cars, that by the time they look into the crosswalk, they are already making their turn….granted these are poor drivers only…most people who know how to drive check the crosswalk before making the turn.

Anyone else get mailing from Board of Elections regarding Cadman Plaza library still being a polling place in September and November?

those are my favorite flowers!! Lantana confetti. Does anyone know if they will grow indoors?

Agreed the intersection is a nightmare. As MO states below, the bushes on the median are the main problem. A turn only signal would be the best solution. Perhaps we should badger Mr. Squadron for some action.

I agree. But another problem is the speed with which oncoming traffic is moving. The speed of the oncoming traffic along with the bushes makes for a dangerous combination.

Indeed the bushes made it worse. I seem to remember, before they were planted, that visibility was still a bit tricky. In any case, no question that a thorough review is needed now.

National Grid hired the contractor Hallen to lay new gas pipes on Monroe Place. Hallen’s saw horses have been left behind by the dozens weeks ago. And work is still not complete. Another National Grid contractor came in to pour new concrete on certain sections of the sidewalks. The color is as white as chalk. Most of us have to abide by Landmarks — which makes sense if you’re trying to maintain an historic district (blue stone, etc) — but National Grid and its hirelings seems to play be other rules. How do we hold these folks accountable?

Probably not, lantana originates from the tropics, so it thrives in full bright sunlight. I grew them outside in my window boxes, which get 5 hours of full sun and they got spindly and had few flowers.

Read Brad’s comment too quickly as work in the street and responded accordingly. Brad, LPC would welcome your completing the following form and returning it by mail. (Yes, mail.)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/forms/VIOFORM.pdf

Of course I’m going to vote. Always do. Not much of a choice this year, but I will still do my part. I received a postcard today advising of new polling place.

I love how difficult it is to find information about what’s going to be on the ballot other than the presidential election (we get to choose between the hate-mongering anti-intellectual bully and the duplicitous corporatocratic political opportunist; yet by abstaining from making this decision neither candidate gets the message that the choices are both rotten). Meanwhile, our beloved Democracy sure works beautifully when would-be voters are kept in the dark about their options for local elections and issues.

Yesterday I was honked at by a turning car with NY plates as I walked, with the light, coming back from Trader Joe’s. I yelled at them. Kind of a Tiananmen Square moment, except they weren’t driving a tank.

I was away for a while, at the World SF Convention in Kansas City (where, btw, they just had another of those extreme weather events, with 7″ of rain inundating the city) and just noticed that the sidewalk shed and scaffolding on the converted church at the corner of Remsen and Clinton has been removed.

Now, to get the sidewalk shed at St. Ann’s Church (whose sign still has Pataki as Governor) down…