Tin Pan Alley Hits Bad Note

Those who enjoy local music history and those who look to preserve it “won’t like the sound of this!” Five buildings from New York City’s famous “Tin Pan Alley” will be sold and demolished for $44 million. The four-story brownstone buildings at 47, 49, 51, 53 and 55 West 28th Street will be razed to be replaced by yet another (Do we really need “another?”) high-rise tower. This area on West 28th Street between Sixth Avenue and Broadway was the heart of American music between the 1890’s and 1950’s. Some consider it the “birthplace” of American music. This was the place where songwriters and music publishers once "cranked out and crooned their hit tunes.” No more. Perhaps a bronze plaque will commemorate what once took place here. Perhaps not. One thing is certain though. East Side, West Side, All Around The Town … things are definitely changing. Perhaps without proper reverence and concern about our past. And the beat goes on.

Our Intrepid Friend Is Home

A “gray lady” may now be seen on a Hudson River pier. Fresh from a two-year restoration in Staten Island, the USS Intrepid majestically cruised back to the West Side of New York. USS Intrepid, back home at Pier 86, reopens to the public on November 8th. To students of history and to all yet to learn of America’s great naval history, this is a trip worth taking. About 250 ex-sailors took the tow from Staten Island to Manhattan. What memories they must have. What memories you will have.

Board Of Ed Fishing Off Wrong Pier

Building a new 1,650 seat high school (or two smaller ones) on Pier 40 is what the Board of Education recently proposed to do. This 14 acre property is currently the site of several nice ball fields, recreational facilities and a parking garage. Building a new 1,650 seat high school (or two smaller ones) on Pier 40 is what the Board of Education SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DO. This beautifully situated property on Manhattan’s West Side is better suited to the entertainment of New Yorkers and tourists rather than the education of our students. In fact, the pier should be enhanced and expanded. Other suitable locations for a school can be found nearby. Find them ... and build the school in one of those spots … off the waterfront.