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What Is This, Pyongyang?
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.
5 Comments
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>> 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.>>
No kidding…Was walking past 60 Hudson last night and there must have been 6 fire trucks (horns blasting) surrounding the building. Did not see any blaze, but now understand why they were so cautious.
Why is there so much fuel in that building?
The building is a “telecom hotel” and the fuel is for backup generators in the event of a power outage. http://nanoise.org/?p=AboutNAN
yes. unfortunately the fuel is needed. and the steps to prevent terrorist from doing research causes such a situation. as long as no one gets hurt (other than bruised egos), we just need to deal.
as always – great work erik
I’m always curious about this building- that there is such loud publicity surrounding the fact that it would be such a golden terrorist target (seems like that kind of info would be more protected, quiet or secure- or at least made up, like ‘it’s Willy Wonka’s factory’), and that it’s only protection would be the athletic ability of its security guard to outrun any would-be plotters. yikes. and yes, great work, erik!!