Lenae Day (left) and Wendy McColm (right) in Birds Without Feathers.
Neil gets Jo to pose for her instagram in Birds Without Feathers.
Cinema reflects an idealized world. Films tend to project an ease of existence that ignores the awkward parts of life: the pauses, the tangents, the missed cues and forced repetitions. Cool characters don’t stumble. Even “awkward” characters never mumble unless they’re supposed to. Characters are perfectly crafted to travel from the beginning of the story to the end.
Birds Without Feathers, the directorial debut of actress Wendy McColm, chooses instead to look those awkward moments in the face. In this black comedy, characters wrestle with stilted attempts at conversation to agonizing moments of aborted self-reflection. The realism with which McColm and co-writer Lenae Day pull this off is uncanny, and makes for some good laughs.
The film centers around the mostly-disconnected stories of six isolated individuals searching for meaning. There is Sam (William Gabriel Grier), a wanna-be comedian with stage fright. He briefly dates Janet AKA Neil (Wendy McColm), who dreams of Instagram stardom. Neil meets and befriends Jo (Lenae Day), a desert-dwelling identity thief with more wigs than cigarettes, whose ex, Daniel, (Cooper Oznowicz) is a self-help motivational speaker with no social or communication skills. She also meets Tom (Alexander Stasko), a Russian man trying to become an American cowboy and meet his idol Jeff Goldblum. Sam, on the other hand, runs into Marty (Sara Estefanos) a self-victimizing nurse at a home for the elderly.
Tom meets the wrong Jeff Goldblum in Birds Without Feathers.
If that sounds confusing, it can be. Feathers wanders between these stories, with the “friendship” between Neil and Jo being the most significant crossover. When they do cross over, they rarely share the space. Instead, the story leans into one perspective or the other. There is one scene, between Neil and Tom, which does feel shared, but it is perhaps the strangest in the film. I won’t say which it is, but I think you’ll know it when you see it.
Birds Without Feathers is, for the most part, a fascinating exploration of the awkwardness of searching for identity in isolation. The sometimes-absurd and very personal stories give us the opportunity to laugh at our own most awkward moments and insecurities–if we’re brave enough–without falling into the tired trope of “Black Mirror” social media critique. The meandering plotlines occasionally leave you feeling lost but, for the most part, hold together Feathers’ bizarre yet fun plot. I will be interested to see where McColm goes next.
Birds Without Feathers will be playing at the Roxy Theater for the next week. Get tickets here.
When visiting the USA, finding the perfect location is something that can take time, but with a number of amazing locations in New York City, you will want to grab your ESTA and hop on the next flight to the states. In this article, we will be giving you a list of 6 unusual places for you to visit when spending time in this beautiful city.
The Mmuesumm
If you are looking for someone weird and unusual to the city then the Mmuesumm is by far one of the strangest. With the aim of telling a story about the modern world, the Mmuesumm is the perfect representation of modern journalism that evokes thought and is great for all the family. This interesting location is free to visit and has a number of different objects on show at any one time making it perfect for those that want to steer clear of the regular tourist traps.
The Highline
Another way for you to escape the city is to go above it and visiting the Highline is the perfect way to do exactly that. A public space located on the last remaining piece of freight line in Manhattan, this stunning public space is the perfect way for you to escape the noise of the city below whilst enjoying the very best of the music design and art.
Photo by Iwan Baan
Hess’ Triangle
The story behind this unusual triangle is one that dates back to 1928 when the Hess estate was pulled down to strengthen the road network and build the subway, however, he was not letting it go so easily. All that remains of this estate that is not public property is a 27 ½ inch triangle to with mosaic title claiming that the Hess estate was never dedicated for public purposes. This is now located outside a cigar shop off of seventh avenue and Christopher street if you want to take a look.
The Dream House
Another unusual location for you to visit in New York City is the dream house. Located off Church Street in TriBeCa this art installation located in a third-floor apartment building. This is a series of rooms filled with neon lights giving you the perfect escape from gyms and specialist restaurants. This is the perfect place to visit for those that love photography as the lights make for the perfect backdrop regardless of the time of day that you choose to visit.
Photo: John Cliett
The Elevated Acre
Much like the Highline, the elevated acre is the perfect location for those looking to enjoy a garden space without the noise of the city. Located high above the hustle and bustle, you can enjoy a number of food carts as well as some greener areas, to give you the perfect space to relax and unwind. Whether you venture here to watch the sunset, or you want to look at the moon, the elevated acre is perfect for you and your family.
The final unusual location for you to visit is the grave of the great escape artist Houdini. This grand escape artist was buried in queens following his death in 1926 from a ruptured appendix. This grand escape artist was beloved by millions around the world and drew in crowds with his amazing escape acts, however his death remains somewhat of a mystery. Some say it was a punch from a McGill university student whilst others fay it was poison from spiritualists that cause the rapture. However, this grand grave is well worth visiting should you find the time.
Whether you are traveling to New York in the summer or you are making your way to the city in time for Christmas, you can find a number of weird and wonderful locations for you to visit regardless of who you are traveling with.
“Eternal Summer” is a group art show running until July 21st at Tribeca’s own One Art Space. A reception unveiling the collection will be held on Tuesday, July 2018, from 6-9 pm. The reception will attempt, as the gallery does, to encapsulate summer. In tandem with the art collection, the reception will create an interactive and visually immersive summer experience.
Every individual experiences the summer season in a highly personal and distinctive way. The show attempts to embody summer, in all of its facets, by showing works from a wide and diverse group of artists. “Eternal Summer” portrays summer, in its raw form, through artistic talents of all experience levels and backgrounds. Ishaat Hossain, the young curator of “Eternal Summer” explained, “There are no exhibitions like this one. There are plenty of showings in the fall, but very few in the summer. It’s inclusive, it encompasses the feelings that summer holds. We have artists here as young as 16, we have former models, a neurologist…. That’s how art should be. Art is for everyone at all times of the year.”
The diverse group of artists showcased in “Eternal Summer” will be present at the unveiling. Their art will be accompanied by other creations that also epitomize summer in all of its forms. “There will be slushy cocktails. I was thinking crushed ice, sparkling champagne. All the things that say summer. People will be able to walk into here and experience summer visually and with drinks. Coming into the gallery from the heat outside will only add to the experience”, said a One Art Space volunteer.
Cleopatra Browne, one of the artists, is featured in the exhibition alongside her daughter. Browne, who specializes in imaginative composition, affirmed that”One Art Space is a family. It is very inviting, and I am proud to be here.” She elaborated on the inspiration behind some of her work. ” I love nature. I love nature more than people. I portrayed mother nature as a woman. There is pollution, there are dead trees, but despite all that is happening to her, despite all the chaos around her, her face is still peaceful. There is still life. There is still hope. We have one Earth and we need to take care of it”. per Browne.
“No one is left out, everyone is included but all the pieces have one thing in common. They either celebrate or frown about eternal summer. Summer is not always comfortable, but that’s also a part of summer” said One Art Space Owner, Dan Giella.
Collectively, the pieces create an accumulation of all the emotions experienced in the summer months such as insanity, joy, discomfort, and excitement. The mediums used to express these feelings are as diverse as the group of artists themselves. Sculptures, paintings and photographs can all be found in “Eternal Summer.”
Before One Art Space opens their next dynamic exhibition, envelop yourself in a visual presentation of summer. It is that relatable, and familiar subject that already surrounds us.
Artists included in “Eternal Summer”
Allison Harrell, Becky Lloyd, Bergés Alvarez, Binna Kim, Brett Thompson, Cleopatra Browne, Debbie Dickinson, Eleni Giagkou, Elsa Marie Keefe, Evan Sebastian Lagache, Jessica Rubin, Jonny “Pens” Marto, Kam Chauhan, Katerini Bali, Katina Ansen, Keith Kattner, Lora Shapiro, Nancy Pantirer, Neil Kerman, Preksha Kapadia, R.M. Traub
Soaring 870 feet above the streets of Manhattan – located in Tribeca at the corner of Church Street and Park Place – and crowning the top of the tower is a beautifully designed Penthouse at 30 Park Place by celebrated architect, Robert A.M. Stern, and furnished by IMG. Perched on the 82nd floor above Downtown’s first Four Seasons Hotel and sprawling 4,538 square feet across an entire floor, the $30 million Penthouse features four corner outdoor terraces that offer 360-degree panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, the Hudson and East Rivers, the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty.
With floor-to-ceiling windows present throughout, the home also features a reception hall to welcome guests, a library with a St. Tropez limestone fireplace, formal dining room with adjacent family room, butler’s pantry and a master bedroom suite with dual marble master bathrooms.
The 82-story tower offers 157 residences in a mix of one- to six bedrooms. At 926 feet, 30 Park Place is the tallest condominium tower downtown, with panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, the Hudson and East Rivers, the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty.
30 Park Place
30 Park Place also features nearly 40,000 square feet of amenities, as well as a full suite of hotel services, all managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The entire 38th floor is devoted to dedicated private residential amenities including a fitness center with yoga studio, vaulted conservatory with a baby grand piano, screening room, children’s playroom designed by Roto Group, dining room with separate catering kitchen and access to the hotel restaurants, and two gracious double height loggias.
30 Park Place
Additional amenities include a sunlit 75-foot swimming pool, the renowned Four Seasons spa including steam rooms, treatment rooms, and salon, ballroom facilities, meeting rooms, a business center, additional storage units and a parking garage. Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to the Four Seasons Director of Residences and dedicated residential concierge, as well as a 24-hour doorman, bellman and service staff focused on providing the bespoke services for which the brand is known. Tailored à la carte services are available to residents including in-residence dining and catering, housekeeping, grocery and flower provisions, car service and personal, child and pet care.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown sits below the private residences at 30 Park Place. Occupying the first 24 floors of the tower and known for its five-star services, experiences, and amenities, The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is also home to CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the celebrity chef and restaurateur’s first and only New York restaurant.
Hidden out of plain sight on Harrison Street near Pier 25 lies the perfect kept TriBeCa secret; TriBeCa Beauty Spa.
It’s just private enough that it’s not overrun with tourists, rather it has a long list of regulars. And in NYC, you know that any spot with a long list of regulars is a sign of a quality place.
The spa’s main focus is to be a neighborhood spa. Clients can both come for treatments such as mani-pedis and massages, but they also offer up services that go beyond this. With a special event space, clients can use the spa to pamper oneself and those around while celebrating big life moments such as engagements, promotions, pregnancies, and more.
And what better way to celebrate love itself than with some pampering? Valentine’s Day is vast approaching, and we’ll take any excuse to celebrate love and give our bodies some extra attention. Because love needs to be valued and celebrated, and you do too. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our everyday lives, especially in this city. Any excuse to slow down and take some time to focus on yourself and those around you that are truly important is so important.
Why not celebrate this day of love by treating yourself or your loved ones to some love and care?
“Valentine’s Day is all about LOVE, and what better way to share love than to do something caring and pampering for yourself or someone special?” says TriBeCa Beauty Spa’s founder, Nadia Dekhkanova.
“The reason why spa services feel pampering is because there is this time that’s carved out just for you. During this time, the attention is focused on you and the intent is to make you feel good,” she adds.
And I think we can all agree that giving yourself some attention is important. As is giving your significant other, if you have one, some attention too.
A spa treatment is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for both couples and singles. Everyone deserves to treat themselves and to be treated with affection.
“There is no greater love you can show yourself than self-care,” states Dekhkanova.
She suggests massage as a great Valentine’s gift to yourself, or a spa pedicure with foot reflexology to release tension and assist your body to heal itself.
As for booking a treatment for your significant other, this can be a little tricky. It often depends on who they are and what they like.
“If it’s someone who takes pride in their appearance and stresses the importance in taking care of themselves, a facial is fantastic,” suggests Dekhova and adds, “massage is always our biggest seller during this holiday, you just can’t go wrong with a massage.”
And TriBeCa Beauty Spa has some truly amazing massages — and masseuses. Everyone knows exactly what they’re doing, so there’s nothing to be worried about even if you are a first-time spa-goer. For someone who’s only recently started going, I can’t stress the importance of making yourself and your body a priority enough, and choosing the right place to do so.
TriBeCa Beauty Spa carries three specials for Valentine’s Day — all of which can be enjoyed alone or together.
Be Golden consists of a 1-hour Swedish massage with relaxing Ylan-Ylang and Tangerine essential oils. The message includes rejuvenating with their Gold-infused collagen eye treatment and ends with a 45 minutes hot oil pedicure.
Warm Touch is a 75-minute Swedish massage with a hot stone or how towel combination. Perfect to warm your body inside out.
All the Love will treat your skin from head-to-toe. The treatment starts with their classic corrective-refining facials and ends with their signature New York Therapeutic massage — just the thing for worn-down busy bee New Yorkers!
The spa has a long list of treatments, everything from skincare to waxing and tinting. You can find more about the spa, how to book your treatment and prices on their website.
It was only by sheer coincidence that I met the man. While standing outside a crowded Starbucks in Lower Manhattan on a nondescript weekday afternoon this past May, I was about to become well acquainted with Mr. Theodore Elgin Johnson, aka Teddy, aka the mayor of TriBeCa, as the neighborhood residents and local shop owners are apt to fondly address him.
I had just left my son’s new apartment on Greenwich Street, intent on taking the subway to Midtown. When I reached the iconic coffee store at the corner of West Broadway and Leonard Street in Tribeca, I asked a smartly dressed, financial-type, which train would be the fastest for getting me to the 5th Avenue Library. No sooner did the clean-shaven millennial reply with an uncertain shrug than we were approached by a bystander who had curiously overheard our conversation a few feet away. He appeared to be in his late sixties, about six feet tall, sporting a University of Virginia baseball cap, wearing an Adidas sweatshirt under an open zipper green jacket, work pants and black leather work shoes.
“I can get you there,” he said. “Cross the street right here and take the 1 or 2 to 42nd Street and then transfer over to the 7. That will get you where you’re going the quickest.”
I thanked him, which he acknowledged with an obliging nod, but then went on speaking, supplying more options for my trek to Midtown. When he appeared to be finished, the amiable gent abruptly changed course and without solicitation or even as much as taking a breath, continued on at a faster clip, now providing me with a snapshot account of the historic TriBeCa district dating back some 50 years. A very interesting guy, I thought, a real wealth of information. Thanking him again, I introduced myself, shook hands, and asked his name.
“Ted … Ted Johnson, but people mostly call me Teddy,” he replied.
Formalities now dispensed, Mr. Johnson’s rapid discourse moved forward, this time with a recital of stories and captivating insights about the who, what and where of the neighborhood, its current dynamics and most celebrated inhabitants. His explicit commentary became so engrossing that I was no longer in any hurry to leave.
From our street corner, Ted aimed the rolled-up orange construction flag in his right hand like a classroom pointer, identifying the expensive real estate that runs up and down West Broadway, then turning clockwise, he motioned further to the adjacent Hudson, Greenwich and Chamber Streets, and then the tributaries of Franklin, North Moore, Worth, Duane and Reade Streets. With his brain now operating like a computer directory in overdrive, he began rattling off fascinating nuggets: “Lots of television shows, “Law and Order”, “New York Undercover”, “NYPD Blue”…they were all filmed down here… and “Ghostbusters” was filmed in that firehouse,” he said and pointed to Hook & Ladder No. 8, “on North Moore ... lots of these shows and movies were made a few blocks down the street…, and many entertainers live right in this neighborhood…lots of artists, movie and TV stars, athletes, musicians. I once saw Drew Barrymore and Tom Green hanging around here, seen Britney Spears too, and Tom Brady, Harvey Keitel, Taylor Swift, one of Bono’s band members, Laurence Fishburne, Edie Falco … saw Matthew McConaughey and two of his kids walking around … and up there is Mariah Carey’s penthouse, you can see her rooftop terrace with all the trees … and New York Law School is across the street from here, I saw the new building go up… Judge Judy went there … and I heard Meryl Streep once lived on Jay Street, now she’s Uptown, but she returns to visit friends … I’ve seen Denzel Washington here several times … and not long ago Leonardo DiCaprio came to this Starbucks for coffee in the morning … and years ago,” he smiled, “I saw Robert De Niro pushing his twin sons in a baby carriage right here. A lot of these people know me, they wave and stop to say hello when they’re passing by and have some time.”
The mayor was not reticent about providing an A-list of TriBeCa’s popular dining spots:
“De Niro’s got restaurants here, Tribeca Grill and Locanda Verde on Greenwich Street…there are a lot of great restaurants down here…Sarabeth’s, The Palm, Scalini Fedeli on Duane Street, and The Odeon right here on West Broadway. It used to be a cafeteria, you know, and is now a great restaurant… many movies and TV shows were filmed inside The Odeon too.”
And then there is Teddy’s personal favorite place, The Square Diner, but more about that later.
Photo by Donna Ferrato
Teddy spoke glowingly about how most residents were pleased by the restoration of many historic cobblestone streets throughout TriBeCa, especially where he works on Leonard Street. This major reconstruction project was undertaken by the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and paid for mostly by city, utility, and federal post-9/11 emergency relief funds. He was also not remiss in pointing proudly to the most important symbol in all of Downtown, the Freedom Tower, standing tall and majestic, a mere seven-minute walk away.
More than 25 minutes had elapsed and we remained immersed in conversation on the same street corner where we met. I was receiving an education from teacher Ted about the goings-on in New York’s most desirable enclave and expensive zip code [10013], as reported for the second quarter of 2017 by PropertyShark, the well-respected real estate website, which provides in-depth analysis to real estate professionals, investors, and home buyers.
Since my chance encounter with the mayor on that spring afternoon four months ago, I have made a number of business and pleasure trips to Manhattan from my home in northern New Jersey. Each time I would always find the enthusiastic, 74-year old TriBeCa booster at his designated post near the corner of the 24 Leonard Street building and West Broadway, where Ted is employed as a parking attendant for PF Parking Corp. Despite several changes in building ownership over the years, including previously operating as both an automobile dealership that sold and repaired vintage vehicles, and a public parking garage, he has remained a mainstay at this same address for 31 years. Extensive renovations to the entire building and garage are now currently underway. The existing structure is being converted into seven luxury condominium apartment lofts on nine floors and includes a new underground parking garage for both its residents and the general public. When the renovations have been completed in late 2017/early 2018 and there is occupancy, Teddy will return to his usual responsibilities as an attendant. In the interim, he has been serving as a day watchman of sorts, working six and seven-day weeks, responsible for keeping the Leonard Street construction site area free from traffic and off-limits to pedestrians, when delivery trucks and construction vehicles are entering and exiting the job site.
On one such trip to TriBeCa, Teddy and I went for lunch at his favorite eatery, The Square Diner, at 33 Leonard Street, which is located diagonally opposite from the 24 Leonard building.
“They serve the best hamburgers and french fries here,” he said as we settled in. I wasn’t about to disagree with the mayor, but opted for a veggie burger from the extensive menu of Greek and American fare, which was quite good.
During the meal, Ted introduced me to another Ted. It was Ted Karounos, the affable proprietor, who has owned the popular, vintage train-car diner for 16 years, taking over the business from his father-in-law. Karounos estimates there have been approximately five owners since its inception of “Serving TriBeCa over 100 Years,” and proudly validated by the official Square Diner T-shirts, which are available to purchase. Teddy didn’t miss a beat, relating the time that famed television writer, producer and director, Norman Lear, was interviewed at the Square Diner several years ago.
Theodore Johnson was born in Petersburg, Virginia and raised in Ellenville, New York, near the Catskills, where he moved at the age of two with his family. Many years later he moved to Manhattan, renting an apartment on 155th Street in Harlem, near the old Polo Grounds. He eventually moved to his present home in East Orange, New Jersey in 1974. Along the way Teddy married, had children and many grandchildren, who he is proud to say all became successful in their own right. He divorced, and held a number of jobs, including working for the Ford Motor Company in Mahwah New Jersey, before commencing his employment as a parking attendant on Leonard Street in 1986.
On another occasion when I came in specifically to see Ted, we took an unhurried walking tour through the neighborhood, stopping at many of the locales he had only spoken about when we first met in May. Along the way, he recognized a young family walking towards us on Leonard Street. He crouched down and said hello to a delightful and giggling, blonde-haired little girl of no more than three or four, approaching with her mom and dad. It was clearly evident by the enthusiastic welcome Teddy received, that he was quite taken with the little miss.
“There are now many more young people moving to TriBeCa,” he remarked soon after the child and her parents passed us. “TriBeCa is more family oriented today… more kids are being born here… and many more baby carriages,” he laughed, “lots of nannies…a lot of dog walking.”
A short time later, Teddy was greeted by a middle-aged married couple; the husband, an architect and his wife, an analyst, who have an apartment on Franklin Street. They spoke like old friends for several minutes.
The woman eventually turned to me and said, “I see you’ve already met the mayor. Teddy knows a great deal about our neighborhood. He’s a really great guy!”
It was becoming increasingly obvious that when the mayor holds court, everyone listens.
Photo by Donna Ferrato
Like a big kid, Teddy was now intent on taking me to a one-of-a-kind boutique, the Balloon Saloon on West Broadway. He introduced me to Tiffany, who along with her mom, Sharon Hershkowitz, are co-owners. Once we stepped inside, I saw why this family favorite is not simply a balloon store that sells birthday and party balloons. Far from it. This TriBeCa institution has been operating since 1981. The shop’s vast inventory includes singing balloons, custom-printed balloons, balloon sculptures and bouquets that have graced the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Broadway plays, Madison Square Garden, music videos, and have been immortalized in the Richard Gere and Diane Lane movie, “Unfaithful.”
Tiffany extended a friendly greeting and within seconds spoke the familiar words that I was now hearing again and again: “You should be aware that Teddy is our mayor.” Sharon echoed her daughter’s sentiments completely. Teddy stood among us near the register counter, self-consciously basking with pride over the honorary title, but unsuccessful in shielding his mile-wide grin. Meanwhile, Sharon jokingly forgave me for being from New Jersey, but not so much my fellow Jersey drivers, who apparently motor with abandon through the city.
Teddy was insistent that someday he wanted to introduce me to a special resident he has known for many years:
“You’ve got to meet Donna Ferrato. She’s an award-winning photographer who lives here…been in The New York Times and Time, lots of places…she published a terrific book about TriBeCa with lots of great photos…a very nice person too. I’ll introduce you one day.”
True to his word, that day came in August.
“Everything you have observed about Teddy is the gospel,” the acclaimed photojournalist and activist told me. Ms. Ferrato’s work has also appeared in Life, People and Mother Jones, and in solo exhibitions in museums and galleries. Her photography documenting the spirit of TriBeCa, including several photos taken exclusively of Teddy, qualifies her as an authority on the evolution of this neighborhood and an eyewitness to the indelible stamp the mayor has left on many in the community.
During his three-plus decades working in TriBeCa, Teddy has held a ringside seat to several dramatic transformations within the district. The area’s mercantile base as a commercial center of the dry goods and textile trade eventually evaporated and gave way to abandoned warehouses which were occupied by artists, and subsequently were converted into pricey residential apartment buildings and multi-million dollar lofts where actors, models, athletes, entrepreneurs, Wall Street professionals and their families now call their home.
“TriBeCa was never a quiet neighborhood, even in the old days,” he said.
“We always had plenty of visitors and tourists from all over the world … from Italy, Sweden, Norway, they all came here because of the Financial District and Greenwich Village. There used to be many city agencies down here, like the Human Resources Administration (HRA), The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), The Credit Union, New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS), and the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). A lot of them eventually moved out to Queens and Brooklyn…the HRA and TRS moved to Water Street. In those days, some of us went for lunch and after work to Dennis’ Restaurant, right down the block on Franklin Street. It closed some time ago. Policemen from the First Precinct would go there, and some city agency workers, too. Most of those people are now retired. I got to know a lot of them. Some actually thought I worked for the city. We had some nice times.”
Another good memory suddenly surfaced for Teddy. He remembered when the NYPD’s Mounted Squad were in action throughout Tribeca.
“The horse stables were down here on Varick Street [for 99 years] until 2011. Now they moved them to Midtown. People would come just to look at the horses. Many years ago, I saw a man who looked very familiar come here to see the horses. Then I realized it was the actor, Richard Widmark …, and Jacqueline Kennedy always loved horses. Her son John Jr. and his wife Carolyn were living nearby on North Moore Street, in the apartment where she previously lived. Jacqueline would come by to look at the horses. Many people were sorry to see the horses go.”
The most newsworthy events that came to Ted’s mind while working here were unfortunately not always pleasant ones. The most tragic event, of course, occurred on what began as a beautiful, clear, blue-sky morning on September 11, 2001, and culminated in utter devastation. Ted left for work that fateful day from his home in East Orange, New Jersey, as he always had, taking mass transit from Newark and then the Path train to World Trade Center, arriving in the city approximately one hour before the first Tower fell. He would be one of the thousands of eyewitnesses to the horror that transpired.
He told me the smoke that ensued following the mass destruction fortunately did not permeate the approximate ten blocks north into TriBeCa, but the lingering smell and soot emitted by the fumes of ruin were evident to everyone in the neighborhood. Teddy said that he witnessed first-hand the resiliency of the entire community, who refused to be deterred by the tragic events that beset so many of their neighbors. New Yorkers demonstrated to everyone what they do best. They dusted themselves off, got up the next day and went back to work and school, refusing to be intimidated by the murderous and cowardly acts of ruthless barbarians. On that day and in the weeks and months that followed, New Yorkers showed their strength and unshakeable resolve to the rest of the nation and the entire world, that they are a unified people and would not be undone.
An even closer to home disaster took place in the early morning hours of February 5, 2016, when a massive crane collapsed adjacent to the New York Law School building and Leonard Street. The huge boom crashed down smashing the roofs of parked cars and landed across the intersection of West Broadway, stretching across two city blocks at Worth and Church Streets. One passerby died and two others were seriously injured. Teddy’s account of New York’s worst crane accident in years was reported in an interview with the New York Times.
Photo by Donna Ferrato
What is the incentive that drives this larger than life septuagenarian to continue the daily commute to TriBeCa each morning from his New Jersey home, as he has done for more than three decades?
“I enjoy coming to work each day because there is always something different going on here…a lot of energy down here…a lot to see,” answered Teddy with his usual candor.
“TriBeCa is the hottest thing in Manhattan right now, hotter than the Upper East Side. Real estate has taken off here. But it’s all about the people…there are a lot of very interesting people that I get to meet every single day. There’s a vitality to living and working here… plus all those baby carriages and dog walkers keep this place hopping.”
Another afternoon spent with the mayor was about to end. I had another appointment to keep, and Teddy left to inform an approaching delivery driver, hauling construction materials, where best to park his truck at the entrance site. He then placed traffic cones in the roadway to close the street off from pedestrians during the unloading. All in a day’s work.
“Good seeing you. Come around again when you have some time,” Teddy called out, waving the orange construction flag and flashing his unmistakable grin, the same welcoming smile that has brightened the spirits of so many of his neighbors for so long. A local treasure in this town, Theodore Elgin Johnson is indeed, the rightful mayor for all seasons. Thirty-one years and counting, to be precise!
About the author:
John Esposito is a freelance journalist. His work has appeared in national newspapers and magazines, including USA Today, The Star-Ledger, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Greenwich Time, and The Irish Echo. He maintains a website, Piecework Journals. Esposito lives in New Providence, New Jersey.
About the photographer:
Donna Ferrato is a freelance photojournalist and activist. Her work has appeared in national and international publications, including Life, Time, People, and The New York Times. Her photographs have won various awards and have appeared in solo exhibitions in museums and galleries. She maintains a website, Donna Ferrato Photography. Ferrato lives in TriBeCa, New York City.
