For a couple of months I've heard all sorts of banging and grinding coming from East 30th Street, the next block up from my apartment. From my window I could see that two buildings were being renovated, and a big scaffold was erected in front of a third building in preparation for some kind of project.
I didn't think much of it. Renovation in New York City is pretty much a constant process, after all.
But last night I learned that the latter building is actually being demolished entirely -- and a new, 11-story structure will take its place. (With 11 apartments -- must be nice to have a whole floor to yourself!)
Unfortunately, this new structure will rise directly in front of my celebrated view of the Empire State Building (which I've depicted here, here and here). Sometime early next year, my view will be no more. Well, I'll still have my courtyard and my horse chestnut tree -- at least for now -- but the view that actually prompted me to buy my apartment in the first place will be gone.
I'm sorry to see it go, but there's nothing I can do about it. That's just the way things go in the city. Besides, I've been lucky enough to enjoy that view for more than seven years, so I can't really complain.
My friends see this as yet another sign that it may be time for me to leave New York behind. I don't disagree. I swear, between my cat, my job and this, I've never received such loud and clear signals from the Universe before!
(Photo: This is not the view from my apartment -- just another random shot of the Empire State Building. I didn't have another photo taken from my window. But you can see the ESB from that angle by clicking the links above.)
This is a clear indication that your time in that condo is up! Your new job may dictate where you live. Will you sell your apartment or can you rent it? If you're selling it, maybe you should do it while the view is still good! :)
ReplyDeleteBefore I got to the end of your post, I was thinking, "It's a sign."
ReplyDeleteIt's a sign, Steve ... and you've received three versions of the message now.
Resistence is futile!
Sorry for yet another loss in your New York life...Is there any way for you to discover how soon the obstruction will occur?
ReplyDeleteHi, Steve, I haven't visited for many weeks, but heard about your job loss -- so sorry! -- from a mutual friend, and thought I'd "drop in," only to read about your cat and your apartment. Good grief!! You know what "they" say about things happening in threes. Well, let's hope it's true in this case, because enough's enough! Good luck with all the adjustments.
ReplyDeleteF.
whether something is a sign or not a sign is all up to how we respond to what the universe is constantly tossing our way!
ReplyDeletein nyc there's only one way to go and that is up! airspace is just too valuable - as you said at least you had the view for 7 years.
maybe you can make a project of the construction, designate a vantage point, perhaps the one of this pic and take a snap each week of the erection..... that is unless you move sooner vs later.
hope to see YOU soon, will email you and see if you'll be about when I'm about.
hugs.
People honestly tell you that these incidents are all signs for you to leave NYC? Honestly? Where would you rather be...Piscataway!?
ReplyDeleteDon't do it. NYC is as much a part of my brother as my brother is part of NYC. I couldn't imagine you anywhere else.
But I was your brother for 33 years before I moved to NYC!
ReplyDeleteYeah, but you weren't cool yet, so I don't count those years. Plus, I was drunk on grated moldy cheese and dizzy from running around on all fours and barking like a dog.
ReplyDeleteI'm really feeling much better now.
I would stay in NYC, or at least keep ownership of your home there.
ReplyDeleteLet me clarify: I'm not selling my apartment. At least, not any time soon.
ReplyDelete