If you’ve been paying attention at all, you’ll know how excited I was to notice this “Where in Tribeca…?” opportunity on the Thomas Street sidewalk, between West Broadway and Hudson. I recognized the graffiti as a complaint about 60 Hudson.

So, as you can see, I took a photo of it. Then I took a pulled-back shot, to run with the answer:

And I went on my merry way. Almost immediately, someone began yelling “Yo!” and “Hey!” and “Man!” I had a feeling he probably wanted my attention—there’s not a lot of foot traffic on  Thomas. I patted myself down—wallet, camera, notepad—and figured that since I hadn’t left anything there, I had no reason to stop. I’m a New Yorker; I ignore strangers.

On Harrison, near Staple, the security guard caught up with me. I was midway through my fourth cup of coffee of the day, so I was probably spoiling for a fight, but I managed to stay calm—in fact, I even felt sorry for making the guard run after me. He was just doing his job. Here’s how the conversation went:

60 Hudson

Guard: Were you taking pictures of that building?
Me: Yes.
Guard: Why?
Me: I’m a journalist. I have a website, TribecaCitizen.com.
Guard: What were you taking pictures of?
Me: I liked the “Stop the Nois” written in the sidewalk.
Guard: OK, come with me.
Me: Not a chance. Besides, I have an appointment. [True!]
Guard: Let me see some ID.
Me: No. Who are you?
Guard: I’m with building security.
Me: Well, if we were in the building that would be more relevant.
Guard: What’s your name?
Me: I’m sorry, I really do have to go.
Guard: What’s the website?
Me (walking away): Trust me, I’m not going to blow up the building.

What’s inside 60 Hudson that security has to be so aggressive? Oh, yeah: 80,000 gallons of fuel oil. If there’s such a risk of someone attacking 60 Hudson that people can’t take photos of it, then perhaps it’s time to seriously consider moving the fuel somewhere more secure.