Amazing photography and background, as always. Really appreciate this newsletter!
I'll always connect Greenpoint to the short-lived underground dub/hip-hop movement called Illbient back in the late 1990s. Over here, we imagined the area as this kind of industrial wasteland with artists and musicians flocking in from the city (as Manhattan became way too expensive), making music under the influence of the ultra-strong Jamaican weed that was sold at the corners... that's probably just nostalgic romanticism, but it's how it was portrayed for example in this semi-legendary indie film which documented that Greenpoint scene – it's called "Crooked", was produced by Skiz Fernando Jr. and came out via the WordSound imprint that also released the "Crooklyn Dub Consortium" compilations.
Thanks, Stephan! I don't know, but I imagine that depiction of Greenpoint is probably pretty accurate, at least in certain parts of the neighborhood. The Greenpoint of the late 90s, especially along the edges, was completely different from the Greenpoint of today. That documentary sounds amazing! I can't believe I can't find a copy of it online, but maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. Also, thanks for inspiring me to track down my copy of Songs of a Day Dreamer!
Fascinating, unbelievable history of oil discovery in the Newtown Creek and all the havoc and muck and eventually oil spills and public health disasters that follow...
I can't believe this is not taught to every NYC student. And who would want to buy expensive real estate and live there?
It's a lot better to live next to a Superfund site under monitoring and remediation than it is to live next to a site that should be undergoing remediation, but isn't....
It's always interesting how much weather affects how one thinks of a neighborhood one has only visited briefly. I know Greenpoint well, so it stands out more here.
What did you think of the Nature Walk? They really did a great job with it, in my opinion. I'm based in Hunters Point so Pulaski -> Nature Walk -> beyond is one of my favorite industrial NY walks.
I think the Nature Walk is fantastic, both in the improbability of having a "nature walk" skirting a sewage treatment plant and in its design. The picture I posted here is from around 2007, when it first opened. I'm not sure if it wasn't fully completed at that point or if I just didn't explore enough, but on my last trip, I was really impressed. Love all the tree and plant identification signs too!
Hmm. I'll hit this with my best shot. PB in middle. Is that Mae West behind door number three? The first one is frustratingly familiar. Dorothy Parker?
I loved the Astral Apartment building. The first things I noticed were the fire escapes with no ladders. Later I saw they were called escape balconies. Is that really a thing? So glad I was able to see the inside of the building. Wish I could see one or more of the apartments. I want to say this was one of your best posts but I think they are all the best. I savor each area you visit.
Love this, as always, and thanks for putting John Ericsson doing Pilates in my head, can’t get it out now. And went on to imagining the Founding Fathers doing yoga!
I saw your exhibit announcement too late. Sorry to miss it, and congrats! Also, glad to read about Greenpoint. It is the one neighborhood that blows me away everytime I think about the transformation. But at least you can still get cheap sliced seeded bread at Syrena bakery!
yeah, interesting, right? I live adjacent to Gowanus so I see the development progress so it's not as shocking like when I go to Greenpoint a handful of times a year, but you're right - both are crazy.
I spotted Pat Benetar and like someone above, thought another was Dorothy Parker. But then I got one of her books off the shelf and realised I don’t have a clue. There should be more swan baths in the world though.
Love this one Rob. I only recognize Pat Benatar in the icons :)
So far you are in the lead!
Ha really?
I should have posted the challenge at the top!
I think they're all Pat Benatar!
;)
Well at the very least they can probably all agree that Love is a Battlefield.
Amazing photography and background, as always. Really appreciate this newsletter!
I'll always connect Greenpoint to the short-lived underground dub/hip-hop movement called Illbient back in the late 1990s. Over here, we imagined the area as this kind of industrial wasteland with artists and musicians flocking in from the city (as Manhattan became way too expensive), making music under the influence of the ultra-strong Jamaican weed that was sold at the corners... that's probably just nostalgic romanticism, but it's how it was portrayed for example in this semi-legendary indie film which documented that Greenpoint scene – it's called "Crooked", was produced by Skiz Fernando Jr. and came out via the WordSound imprint that also released the "Crooklyn Dub Consortium" compilations.
Thanks, Stephan! I don't know, but I imagine that depiction of Greenpoint is probably pretty accurate, at least in certain parts of the neighborhood. The Greenpoint of the late 90s, especially along the edges, was completely different from the Greenpoint of today. That documentary sounds amazing! I can't believe I can't find a copy of it online, but maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. Also, thanks for inspiring me to track down my copy of Songs of a Day Dreamer!
Ooh yes, the DJ Spooky wormhole... :)
This is the film: https://www.discogs.com/de/release/149060-Various-Crooked-The-Movie-The-Soundtrack
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOrqb5CD8_U
I tracked down a DVD/CD copy many years ago.
That got me pumped up! Funny Money!
Crooked (2002) ..
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82qRGRhfuKY&ab_channel=MentolNomad
Fascinating, unbelievable history of oil discovery in the Newtown Creek and all the havoc and muck and eventually oil spills and public health disasters that follow...
I can't believe this is not taught to every NYC student. And who would want to buy expensive real estate and live there?
The same thing is happening in Gowanus. Hopefully the cleanup efforts are starting to make a dent in things!
Rob I live not far from Gowanus. Yes similar story and similar outcome. Hopefully the people's struggle to clean it up will be effective!
It's a lot better to live next to a Superfund site under monitoring and remediation than it is to live next to a site that should be undergoing remediation, but isn't....
How have I never noticed the alphabetical street names 🤯
Very sad I can’t make it to the Future Fair, but I hope it’s great!
Good neighborhood trivia!
Very troubled by that stop sign!
So tall, yet so small.
It's always interesting how much weather affects how one thinks of a neighborhood one has only visited briefly. I know Greenpoint well, so it stands out more here.
What did you think of the Nature Walk? They really did a great job with it, in my opinion. I'm based in Hunters Point so Pulaski -> Nature Walk -> beyond is one of my favorite industrial NY walks.
I think the Nature Walk is fantastic, both in the improbability of having a "nature walk" skirting a sewage treatment plant and in its design. The picture I posted here is from around 2007, when it first opened. I'm not sure if it wasn't fully completed at that point or if I just didn't explore enough, but on my last trip, I was really impressed. Love all the tree and plant identification signs too!
I loved the juxtaposition of that nature walk caption with that photo :)
Ha! It is certainly unlike any nature walk I’ve been on before, but that’s what makes it great.
Hmm. I'll hit this with my best shot. PB in middle. Is that Mae West behind door number three? The first one is frustratingly familiar. Dorothy Parker?
2/3! I might have to give you the win based on your incorporation of a Pat Benatar song title in your answer.
I’m in the middle of the documentary & body horror Venn diagram, love the movie recs !!!
I knew there was someone who would tackle both!
I loved the Astral Apartment building. The first things I noticed were the fire escapes with no ladders. Later I saw they were called escape balconies. Is that really a thing? So glad I was able to see the inside of the building. Wish I could see one or more of the apartments. I want to say this was one of your best posts but I think they are all the best. I savor each area you visit.
Thanks Charlotte!
I love the juxtaposition of the church bulbs with the sewage bulbs. Genius.
Onion domes gotta stick together!
Love this, as always, and thanks for putting John Ericsson doing Pilates in my head, can’t get it out now. And went on to imagining the Founding Fathers doing yoga!
John Adams in Downward Dog is not something I needed to picture!
😆😆😆
I saw your exhibit announcement too late. Sorry to miss it, and congrats! Also, glad to read about Greenpoint. It is the one neighborhood that blows me away everytime I think about the transformation. But at least you can still get cheap sliced seeded bread at Syrena bakery!
Thanks, it was a quick one! Greenpoint and Gowanus are tied for me. Interesting how they are both superfund sites!
yeah, interesting, right? I live adjacent to Gowanus so I see the development progress so it's not as shocking like when I go to Greenpoint a handful of times a year, but you're right - both are crazy.
The Boiled Frog effect!
If I may I'd love to shout out my friend Tony Wolf, longtime Greenpointer who has since relocated but has a great comic about the neighborhood, Greenpoint of View: https://cosmiclionproductions.com/comix-shop-1/ols/products/tales-from-the-wolf-pre-order
Love your work as always!
This looks great,Im going to order a copy. Thanks for sharing Colin!
I spotted Pat Benetar and like someone above, thought another was Dorothy Parker. But then I got one of her books off the shelf and realised I don’t have a clue. There should be more swan baths in the world though.
Technically, that is a swan bed, but I agree. There should be more swan beds AND baths.
Just passed the Astral Apartments today and was wondering about the history. Thanks Rob!
Pretty nice accommodations back in the day, though they don’t get the most stellar reviews lately.
Stayed in Greenpoint for a few weeks during my last visit to the US and NYC a few years ago. Absolutely loved the area. Great read, thanks!