News and events in Lower Manhattan
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Volume 6, No. 54, March 2, 2022 |
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CONTENTS:
Letter from the Editor: Soviet occupation
Rapid-delivery grocery services in Manhattan
Bits & Bytes: Seaport's Tin Building nears completion; 1 WTC gets new tenants
Bulletin Board: Lead a Jane's Walk?; Bach's St. Matthew Passion at Trinity Wall St.
In memoriam: Gus Oranitsas
Calendar: New York Harbor Seals
COVID-19 CASES IN NEW YORK CITY: As of March 1, 2022 at 5:42 p.m.
2,272,249 confirmed cases * 39,810 deaths * 7,169,004 vaccinated in NYC
Go to www.DowntownPostNYC.com for breaking news and for updated information on facility closures related to COVID-19
MASTHEAD PHOTO: Sunflowers blooming on the esplanade in Battery Park City (Photo: ©Terese Loeb Kreuzer 2015)
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: SOVIET OCCUPATION |
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Although I was a travel writer for more than 20 years, I never visited Ukraine. But in July 2015, I did visit Estonia and Latvia — two of the three Baltic nations, the other being Lithuania. What I heard and saw there is relevant to what’s going on now in Ukraine.
Between 1940 and 1991, all three of the Baltic states were occupied countries — twice by the Soviet Union and once by National Socialist Germany. The history of those years is complex and I am not an expert on what happened except to say that the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin took over in June 1940, arranged fake elections, nationalized property and began mass deportations. The suffering was so acute that when Germany attacked the U.S.S.R. in June 1941, the residents of the Baltics at first thought that their lives would improve.
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They were soon disabused of that notion. Germany harnessed the Baltic states in various ways to contribute to its war effort, continued with deportations and set out systematically to kill the Jewish population. However by the fall of 1944 with the Axis powers on the ropes, most of the region had reverted to Soviet control where it remained for the next 45 years. The desire for political independence never left but after years of brutality, it was furtive. Finally, early in 1990 elections were held in all three countries during which parliaments were seated that endorsed independence. Of course, the U.S.S.R. resisted, resulting in violence throughout the spring and summer. But by September, most of the world's countries had recognized the Baltic states as sovereign nations. They were admitted into the United Nations and began to rebuild their political structures and their economies. By 2004, they were able to join NATO and the European Union.
This history, with more detail than I'm able to recount, would be very familiar to the people and government of Ukraine. This may help to explain why, even against the overwhelming odds of facing a large, well-equipped Russian army, the Ukrainians are determined not to surrender. They know full well and better than most of us could imagine, the brutality that they would face under Russian domination.
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The KGB headquarters in Riga, Latvia, now a museum.
(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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I can authoritatively report what I saw with my own eyes. I took a photograph of the KGB headquarters in Riga, Latvia where thousands of people were tortured and killed. Sometimes people were invited here for a “friendly conversation” and asked to “cooperate”.
They were tortured and interrogated on the sixth floor and executed in the basement (the shower room) or the yard.
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In addition, thousands of people were sent to GULAG hard labor camps with decades-long sentences after being interrogated in what was known as “The Corner House”. |
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I also have photographs of a Soviet bunker in Ligatne, around 45 miles outside of Riga, that was built deep underground and was, theoretically at least, nuclear bomb proof. The bunker had 90 rooms and direct telephone connections with Moscow. It was equipped with supplies that would enable its occupants to survive for three months. This is where the Soviet rulers of Latvia planned to shelter in the event of a nuclear war. |
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A statue of Lenin is in the central meeting room of the Soviet bunker in Ligatne, Latvia.
(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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The communications room in the abandoned Soviet bunker in Ligatne, Latvia. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
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The bunker was planned in 1968 by the Latvian Central Soviet Committee. It became operational in 1982. When the Russians abruptly departed after Latvia gained its independence, they left almost everything behind including the equipment in a communications room that linked the bunker to the Kremlin and other Soviet strongholds. |
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I learned that the national pride in the Baltic countries is fierce. The struggle for independence is NOT ancient history. One of my most vivid memories of the Soviet bunker has to do with an Estonian woman who was in our group when we toured the place. When we got to the room that was used during the Soviet era to make propaganda broadcasts, she fervently sang the Estonian national anthem.
I am viewing much of the news from Ukraine through that lens.
Terese Loeb Kreuzer
Editor, Downtown Post NYC
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Downtown Post NYC's website (www.DowntownPostNYC.com) is updated daily. That's the place to check for urgent messages, breaking news and reminders of interesting events in and around Lower Manhattan. So be sure to look at the website every day, especially if you want to know about breaking news.
HOW TO SUPPORT DOWNTOWN POST NYC: I made Downtown Post NYC free to subscribers so that no one who was interested in reading it would be excluded because of cost. Downtown Post NYC is largely supported by advertising revenue. In addition, some people have made contributions, which are much appreciated. For more information about how to contribute or advertise, email editor@downtownpostnyc.com.
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The Downtown Alliance is trying to gauge the needs and interests of Lower Manhattan residents regarding dining, shopping and nightlife in the neighborhood south of Chambers Street and the Brooklyn Bridge. This survey will provide guidance on future initiatives and retail attraction efforts. In appreciation of your time, at the end of the questionnaire is a chance to participate in a drawing to win one of ten $100 Amazon Gift cards. To participate, click here. |
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Fast food
ARE RAPID-DELIVERY GROCERY APPS A PUBLIC NUISANCE THAT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED OR ARE THEY A NEEDED SERVICE?
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A Gopuff outpost at 61 Sixth Ave. in Tribeca combines a walk-in grocery store with a messenger rapid-delivery service. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
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Former Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer has sounded an alarm against New York City's rapid-delivery grocery apps, most of which promise to have groceries on a customer's doorstep 15 to 20 minutes after an order was placed. Most of these apps don't require a minimum order. In addition most of them don't charge delivery or service fees although tips are welcome.
Brewer, who is now a member of City Council representing District Six on the Upper West Side of Manhattan has been objecting to these delivery services for months. On Oct. 7, 2021 she fired off a letter to Anita Laremont, the Executive Director of the NYC Department of City Planning and to four New York City and New York State commissioners who would have something to say about these services. In her letter she objected to "the new quick-service fulfillment centers opening in storefronts throughout Manhattan and seemingly the city at large." She said that these centers were opening in areas that weren't zoned for this kind of commerce and in some cases, were selling beer without State Liquor Authority (SLA) licenses.
"I am concerned that these services compete with existing supermarkets, bodegas and other food and beverage establishments, and occupy spaces that are now no longer available to the public," she wrote. "They deaden our streetscapes, as windows are sometimes papered over and there is no ability to actually enter and shop, thereby reducing foot traffic, which ultimately impacts adjacent small businesses."
In her letter she asked if these new centers are compliant with existing zoning, health and liquor regulations and if not, what enforcement regulations could be used to bring them in line.
In December 2021 she released another salvo against the quick-service grocery delivery apps based on a study that she had commissioned. An in-person survey of 22 of these centers in Manhattan showed that only three of them were operating in appropriately zoned areas. She questioned their long-term effects on the local stores and neighborhoods where they were operating.
Other lawmakers, including Julie Menin, newly elected City Council member representing District Five on the Upper East Side, took up the cudgel.
An article in amNewYork ( "Menin calls on GoPuff delivery service to halt its hazardous business practices in Upper East Side," 2/23/2022) reported that "Following an outpour of complaints from Councilmember Julie Menin’s Upper East Side constituents regarding the dangers that the GoPuff’s delivery service drivers are posing on their community, Menin took action on Tuesday directly addressing the CEO and founders of the company to express her concerns and demand action." She said that the promised delivery speeds pose "a serious threat to nearby pedestrians, as reports of delivery service workers on motorized scooters or bicycles driving down sidewalks at dangerous speeds or in the opposite direction of traffic have increased in recent months."
The article stated that "Menin witnessed these hazards first hand recently, when she was on a walk with her three-year-old daughter and one of the delivery cyclists, riding in the wrong direction in the bike lane, almost struck her daughter."
City Council Member Christopher Marte who represents District 1 in Lower Manhattan is also on board with the effort to rein in the grocery delivery services citing "threats to worker and pedestrian safety," as reported in the New York Post. ( "NYC bill would ban grocery apps from advertising 15-minute delivery times," New York Post, 2/21/2022.) He said that he didn't think that 15-minute delivery times should be legal and that companies should be barred from offering and advertising this turnaround.
The Post stated that "Marte’s bill comes after several reports of accidents and fatalities linked to e-bikes, which were connected to at least 20 deaths in 2020."
— Terese Loeb Kreuzer
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What do YOU think?
Downtown Post NYC wants to know what YOU think
about rapid-delivery grocery services
- Have you used a rapid-delivery grocery service?
- If yes, have you used the service once, occasionally or frequently?
- If yes, why did you use it?
- Which service did you use?
- If yes, were you satisfied with the service?
- Do you think that rapid-delivery grocery services should be banned in New York City?
- If "no" to a ban, do you think these services should be regulated?
- If so, how should they be regulated?
- Any other comments?
- May Downtown Post NYC use your name in a subsequent article on this subject or would you like to remain anonymous?
Thank you!
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Bits & Bytes
SEAPORT'S TIN BUILDING NEARS COMPLETION; NEW TENANTS AT 1WTC;
PERMANENT OUTDOOR DINING IN NEW YORK CITY INCHES AHEAD
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"Finishing Touches Underway On Tin Building In Seaport District, Manhattan," New York YIMBY, 2/27/2022. New York YIMBY is reporting that finishing touches are underway on the Tin Building, a three-story commercial market building at 95 Marginal Street on Pier 17 in the South Street Seaport District. Designed by SHoP Architects and developed by the Howard Hughes Corporation with Plaza Construction as construction manager, the 53,000-square-foot structure will house a new seafood-themed market by Jean-Georges Vongerichten." For the complete article, click here. |
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"Paul Willen, Architect of Manhattan’s Waterfront, Dies at 93," New York Times, 2/21/2022. "Paul Willen, an architect and civic advocate who helped turn Trump City, a plan for a massive development on Manhattan’s West Side, into a tamer, gentler and more livable neighborhood called Riverside South, died on Feb. 2 in Berlin, Vt." says The New York Times. "Community groups and urban advocates were horrified by [Trump's] plan," the article continued. "They mobilized and asked Daniel Gutman, an urban planner, to conduct an environmental review. In a search of city documents, he discovered Mr. Trump’s earlier plan for the site, from the 1970s, which had been produced by Gruzen Samton, Mr. Trump’s architects at the time, and designed by Mr. Willen, who worked in the planning department there."
The article states that in the mid-1960s, Willen had been project director of the Lower Manhattan Plan, "an expansive design for Manhattan’s southern tip to revive the financial center — the twin towers of the World Trade Center were the linchpin — and create housing and commercial space linked by a ribbon of parkland and a promenade. Commissioned by the city, it was a collaboration among three firms, one of which was Whittlesey, Conklin & Rossant, where Mr. Willen was then employed. What the firms proposed was a series of neighborhoods, each featuring its own cove. They also persuaded the city to use the material from the excavations for the twin towers to build out the southwestern tip of Manhattan, instead of dumping it at sea. Battery Park City, which was built on this new land mass starting in 1980, had its own designers and urban planners, but it has the feeling of much of that earlier plan." For the complete article, click here.
"Software Company, Investment Firm and Ad Platform Take 73K SF at 1 WTC," Commercial Observer, 2/25/2022. "Business software firm Templafy, investment management company Jordan Park and advertising platform LiveIntent snagged a total of 72,896 square feet at The Durst Organization and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s 1 World Trade Center," Commercial Observer has learned. "The deals bring the building, which faced an uncertain future after major tenant Condé Nast put much of its offices on the sublease market in 2021, to 92 percent leased. The building’s two landlords resolved a rent dispute with the publishing giant last year, after it paid $2.4 million in rent it previously withheld." For the complete article, click here.
"456 Greenwich Street’s Brick Facade Installation Wraps Up In Tribeca, Manhattan," New York YIMBY, 2/7/2022. "Façade work is wrapping up on 456 Greenwich Street, an eight-story hotel building in Tribeca," says New York YIMBY. "Designed by Stephen B. Jacobs Group with Martin Brudnizki Design Studio as the interior designer, and developed by Caspi Development, the 94,000-square-foot structure will yield 96 Art Deco-inspired guest rooms operated by Groupe Lucien Barrière of the Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris. AECOM Tishman is the general contractor for the Lower Manhattan development, which is bound by Greenwich Street to the east, Desbrosses Street to the south, and Washington Street to the west." For the complete article, click here.
"GFI Completes $195M Refinancing Of The Beekman Hotel At 123 Nassau Street In Financial District, Manhattan," New York YIMBY, 2/6/2022. "An affiliate of GFI Capital Resources has secured $195 million in refinancing for The Beekman, a historic landmarked hotel in Manhattan’s Financial District," says New York YIMBY. "The deal included a $130 million senior loan with Bank OZK arranged by Newmark and a $65 million subordinate financing raised from bond investors on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Proceeds from the funds raised are being used to repay existing debt and outstanding obligations of the property as well as to establish reserves for the hotel." The article states that the building that now houses the hotel was constructed in 1880 as an office building. For the complete article, click here.
"NYC Legislators Sign Off on Another Small Win for Permanent Outdoor Dining," eater.com, 2/18/2022. "The push to make outdoor dining permanent in New York City inched forward this week, following a contentious nine-hour hearing about the program’s future earlier this month," according to eater.com. "On Thursday, two City Council committees related to zoning and land use voted to recommend an amendment that would legalize sidewalk cafes in most parts of the city, as opposed to the narrow districting zones where they were allowed prior to the pandemic. It’s a necessary first step in crafting a citywide outdoor dining program, according to a spokesperson for City Council." The article states that those opposed to outdoor dining cite issues that range "from rats and noise to pollution and parking, while supporters of the program say it’s a necessary lifeline for restaurants recovering from the pandemic. The entire 51-member City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on February 24." For the complete article, click here.
"After sale of rights, lofts are not subject to stabilization: suit," The Real Deal, 2/22/2022. "In a landmark decision, New York’s highest court last week exempted certain units covered by the Loft Law from rent stabilization. It also applied the ruling to commercial properties where tenants live illegally," The Real Deal reports. "The decision is a major win for loft landlords, who can now buy out tenants in those units and be assured of getting market-rate rents going forward. The case concerned a loft at 78 Reade Street, a Tribeca property owned by the major landlord Albert Laboz. Before Laboz bought the building, a tenant in one unit had made improvements to it and had become a legal occupant under the Loft Law, which entitled the tenant to a regulated rent. The tenant then negotiated a buyout from the landlord, enabling the owner to charge a market-rate rent. Laboz did that, raising the rent to $4,200 from $440. By February 2016, the new tenant, Raffaello Locatelli, was on a month-to-month lease. Laboz then issued Locatelli a notice to vacate by the end of April." The article states that Locatelli refused to leave and his landlord took the case to court. For the complete article, click here.
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Gifts from Té Company
include
tea, cookies, tea pots and tea brewing sets
The tea room is open Wednesdays to Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
163 West 10th St.
First come, first served. ID and proof of vaccination required.
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Bulletin Board
JANE'S WALK; BACH'S ST. MATTHEW PASSION AT TRINITY WALL STREET; 'HARMONY' AT THE MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE
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Julian Wachner acknowledging applause after conducting a concert at Trinity Church. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
'Harmony,' a musical by Barry Manilow, premieres at the Museum of Jewish Heritage: 'Harmony" tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, an ensemble of six young men in 1920's Germany who wowed audiences with their close harmonies and hilarious stage antics until their inclusion of Jewish singers rang down the curtain. The musical with a score by Barry Manilow and a book by Bruce Sussman, is being produced by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene. Tony Award-winner Warren Carlyle is the director and choreographer. Previews begin on March 23. "Harmony" will run through May 8 at the Edmond J. Safra Theatre in Battery Park City's Museum of Jewish Heritage. Tickets are now on sale. They range in price from $79 to $129. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Annual Art Exhibition: The Battery Park City Authority's annual art exhibition of work created in BPCA classes is on view at 6 River Terrace Mondays and Tuesdays through March 29 between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required to attend. Masks must be worn at all times in 6 River Terrace. No food or drinks. For more information, click here.
Travel to Jewish Ljubijana with the Museum of Jewish Heritage: March 9: Accompany the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park City on a one-time only, live-streamed walking tour of Jewish Ljubljana. The tour, which will be led by a knowledgeable guide, will take in the old Jewish Quarter of what was once a thriving community and is now one of the smallest Jewish communities in Europe, with just 150 Jewish residents. The guide, Mateja, will discuss Jewish life in a Christian society and talk about the city’s notable Jewish residents. Mateja will also share how some managed to survive WWII, and what happened to the Jewish community during Communism in Yugoslavia. Time: 11 a.m. Cost: $18 for museum members; $36 for non-members. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Jane's Walk 2022: This year, Jane's Walk will take place on the weekend of May 6 to May 8. Jane's Walk originated in the work of urban activist, Jane Jacobs. Now, in more than 200 cities worldwide, volunteer-led walks are a celebration of urban life. This year in New York City, there will be a variety of virtual and socially-distanced formats including in-person walks for the first time since 2019. There will also be virtual guided walks, self-guided walks, virtual talks and social media activations. A submission form for a volunteer-led walk will be active through March 31. For the submission form, click here. On March 2 at 5 p.m. there will be a free, online orientation event for anyone interested in leading a walk. For more information about the orientation, click here. There will be additional orientation and trainings in March and April.
J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at Trinity Wall Street: Tickets are now on sale for performances of St. Matthew Passion by The Choir of Trinity Wall Street; the Trinity Youth Chorus; The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys; the Trinity Baroque Orchestra; and New York Baroque Inc. with Julian Wachner conducting. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is one of the quintessential masterpieces of western classical music. The Passion According to St. Matthew, BWV 244, is a dramatic integration of scripture, new poetry, and great hymns of the Lutheran tradition. March 29: at 7:30pm | St. Thomas Church | In-person only. March 31: at 7:30pm at Trinity Church | Online and in-person. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Governors Island ferry access: Access to Governors Island is by ferry, with timed ticket reservations required. Ferries run daily from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. in Lower Manhattan. The ferries are always free for kids 12 and under, for seniors 65 and up, for residents of NYCHA housing, for military servicemembers, Governors Island members, and for everyone on weekends before noon. Starting later this year, NYC Ferry will serve Governors Island daily via the South Brooklyn route. A launch date for this expanded service will be announced soon. NYC Ferry's shuttle from Wall Street/Pier 11 to Yankee Pier on Governors Island will continue on weekends until the launch of 7-day/week service along the South Brooklyn route. NYC Ferry riders on any line that makes stops at Wall Street/Pier 11 may transfer to a shuttle service to Governors Island on Saturdays and Sundays. Governors Island weekend ferry service from Brooklyn (Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook) is currently not in service and will return in Spring, 2022. The first ferry to Governors Island from 10 South St. leaves at 7 a.m. The last ferry from Governors Island leaves at 6 p.m. Learn more about Governors Island ferries and book tickets by clicking here.
Lower Manhattan Greenmarkets: There are Lower Manhattan Greenmarkets in Tribeca (at Chambers and Greenwich Streets) and at Bowling Green, City Hall, the Oculus and the Staten Island ferry. GrowNYC asks that shoppers wear a face covering inside the market space and maintain a six-foot distance between themselves, Greenmarket staff, farm stand employees and other customers. Dogs and bicycles should be left at home.
Click here for a list of the fruits and vegetables now in season.
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Many of the Downtown Post NYC bulletin board listings are now on the Downtown Post NYC website. To see the bulletin board listings, click here.
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In Memoriam
GUS OURANITSAS
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Gus Ouranitsas (Photo: © Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
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A bright light went out in the world when Konstantinos Ouranitsas died on Sept. 10, 2021. He was a man of unstinting kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. He was also a lot of fun. He was a great cook, an energetic dancer, a fine bouzouki player and a lover of his family, his community and of all things Greek.
We called him "Gus." He was born in Volos, Greece on Feb. 2, 1956. With his family, he emigrated to the United States when he was seven years old. He was only 65 years old when he died of pancreatic cancer. That was too young. That was much too young.
The time and manner of his death were undoubtedly related to his compassionate and loving nature. For 35 years, he was the resident manager of the Liberty Court condominium at 200 Rector Place in Battery Park City. He was there on Sept. 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center was destroyed. An article in The New York Times on Sept. 17, 2001 (" After the Attacks: The Dispossessed; Battery Park City Residents Only Visit") opened with a description of Gus sleeping in the lobby of the building for almost a week. The article called him a "sentinel." He was there to look after the building and to help anyone who needed it. He went from apartment to apartment, closing windows to keep out some of the debris and emptying refrigerators so they wouldn't be filled with rotting food. He consoled a man whose sister, a tenant of the building, was missing and presumed dead. On a borrowed hot plate, he cooked for his staff. And he ran the one working elevator.
If Gus hadn't been as conscientious as he was, would he have gotten cancer? Of course, we can't know for sure but we do know by now that protracted exposure to the World Trade Center toxins ended a lot of lives.
Gus died with his family at his bedside. He was survived by his beloved wife, Maria, his three children, Konstantine, Nestor and Marina, his mother, Eleni and his sister, Vasiliki Tourloukis, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also survived by those of us who knew him and loved him.
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Jane Mancino, Gus Ouranitsas, Cici Hu and Donna Rothkopf with the spanakotiropita — spinach and feta cheese pie — that Gus showed the others how to make. All were members of TimeBank's "foodie" club that met around once a month for cooking lessons and conviviality. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) March 17, 2013 |
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He taught us how to make spanakotiropita — spinach and feta cheese pie — and how to make a proper Greek salad. He brought out a bottle of retsina and played the bouzouki for us. He took us to Greek restaurants in Astoria and made sure that we had enough to eat. He went shopping with us in Astoria's marvelous Greek grocery stores and bakeries.
Gus was especially kind to me. Knowing how much I loved one of those Greek grocery stores and that I couldn't get there myself, he would often pick up a few of my favorite foods when he was there and leave them for me when I lived down the block from him in Battery Park City and even sometimes when I moved away to Tribeca.
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He was the soul of generosity and kindness.
Gus was buried in St. Michael's Cemetery in Astoria. On April 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a memorial service for him at Chiotes Hall, 337 E. 74th St.
Those wishing to make a contribution in Gus's memory can donate to the National Hellenic Student Association of North America (www.nhsaofamerica.org) a not-for-profit organization devoted to offering students and young professionals of Hellenic descent the opportunity to grow academically, professionally and culturally. An academic scholarship fund has been established in Gus's name. Or donate to PANCAN, (www.pancan.org) a not-for-profit organization devoted to advancing scientific research in pancreatic cancer, building community, sharing knowledge and advocating for patients.
— Terese Loeb Kreuzer
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Donna Rothkopf listening to Gus Ouranitsas play his bouzouki at a TimeBank "foodie" club meeting where Gus showed the members how to make spanakotiropita — spinach and feta cheese pie — and an assortment of Greek appetizers.
(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) March 17, 2013
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To see the events and activities on the Battery Park City Authority's falllendar, click here. Most events are free. For some, reservations are required. |
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CALENDAR
Spotlight: NEW YORK HARBOR SEALS
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A harbor seal near Swinburne Island in New York harbor. Jan. 19, 2014.
(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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Five species of seals have been known to spend the winter and early spring in New York harbor. Some of them are regulars, some are only seen occasionally. The seals start to show up here in November, but if you'd like to see some seals, you still have all of March and part of April to buy a ticket for a seal-watching excursion.
The most common are the harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). The adults are four to six feet long and weigh 250 to 300 pounds. Next most common are the gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) that are six to almost seven feet long and weigh 400 to 740 pounds. Harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) migrate to New York City from the Arctic and are seen here occasionally every winter. Most rare are the ringed seals (Pusa hispida). The last time one was seen off the coast of Long Island was 16 years ago.
Seals like to eat fish but will eat crustaceans as well. They need to eat 5 percent to 6 percent of their body weight daily. The federal Clean Water Act of 1972 has a lot to do with why New York now hosts these winter visitors. They showed up in large numbers when the harbor became clean enough to support an abundance of fish.
An organization called Long Island Whale and Seal Watching sponsors trips leaving from Freeport, Long Island. The two-hour-long seal-watching trips are led by a naturalist. They cost $39 for adults and $34 for seniors and children. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. |
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Harbor seals hauled out on Swinburne Island, a man-made island in Lower New York Bay, east of Staten Island. Jan.11, 2015 (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
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Downtown Post NYC is emailed to subscribers once a week.
Editor: Terese Loeb Kreuzer
All articles and photographs in Downtown Post NYC are copyrighted and
may not be reprinted or republished without written permission.
© 2022
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