February 23, 2015
A monstrous looking wall is erected at eye level with my window.
My view of the street is totally blocked.
What's the weather? Don't know; can't see the street. Are people wearing coats? Carrying umbrellas?
I can't see if the crosstown bus is coming.
What's that noise on the sidewalk below my window?
Is that a firetruck at our building?
I feel claustrophobic.
I can't open a window or debris will fly in. Maybe even a pigeon.
My sunlight is compromised.
Early June, 2015
The work finally begins.
3 1/2 months of just an ugly wall for no reason. Couldn't someone have planned better?
But now I have men at eye-level.
I need to keep my blinds closed all day unless I like having random men walking around in front of me.
Late December or early January
The work is finally done.
But it seems to have zero impact on the wall. It remains standing for another five and a half months.
January 2016 through today
Calls to landlord. Too many to mention.
Emails (long ones) to landlord. Too many to mention.
Calls to 311. Worthless.
Calls to State Senator's Office. Helpful, but legally they cannot force the landlord to do anything, though they did write some strong letters.
No laws to protect me.
Evasive answers.
Waiting for this, waiting for that.
Inconsistent information about inspection approvals.
8:07 this morning
I hear a welcoming noise and look out my window.
I can see trees.
I can almost see the street.
Almost 15 months of this hideous wall, and only 6 months of work. Ridiculous.
But today, these men are making me very happy.
Okay, it's not THE wall. But it was my wall. So happy it's gone. At least for another ten years.
Looks like 79th street!
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