There are certain things I am thankful for. But there are other things....
Some of the thankful things:The landscape and space. While things have changed (and the landscape is not the "jewel" it was before), we are still better off than a lot of people in Manhattan. At least, most of us are surrounded by a good portion of nature, unless you live on the perimeter, and can, if it's a nice day, step outside and sit on many of the benches and have the freedom to relax or socialize or just resident or nature watch. Most people in Manhattan can't do that, being forced to go to a park that is not outside their building.
We have a security presence. I know: The security here is woefully lacking in a lot of areas, but we do have it, and if one is in real trouble, one can always call security and they will come.
The playgrounds. I don't have a child at this point, but if I did, the playgrounds would be a great place to bring my little one. I believe some of our newer residents stay here mainly because of that.
The Community Center. Almost exclusively used by seniors, but it is there and has various programs for seniors. A good resource.
The service. Again, it is there. Whether the job is done properly is another question, but if something is not working in one's apartment, you can get a worker to come over, hopefully on the same day or soon.
But there are problems:
Leaf blowers. While Stuy Town/PCV prides itself on sustainability, their leaf blowers are a major health issue. I personally have seen high clouds of dust and debris kicked up in the air while residents are going to work and children to school. For residents who wear contact lenses, this dust and debris can get into their eyes. Many times, these workers do not wear masks.
Golf carts. Useful for Beam and its workers, but they can be a major headache, particularly to seniors. Crossing 20th Street from PCV to Stuy Town by these carts is against the law, but no one in authority cares.
Artificial turf. Artificial turf can cause
health issues. Possibly a problem for some people.
Elevators. Every elevator should have a statement of inspection. Instead, these have been replaced by a Beam placard of upcoming events. Beam, they say, is following the law, but to have someone living blocks away in Stuy Town or PCV to see their elevator''s statement is ridiculous and goes against the intent of the law. But no one in authority cares.
Dogs. Outside dogs are not being stopped from coming into this community. And I've seen oversize dogs by residents or more than the limit of two. Blue tags on dogs? Checked? Not anymore. And I have seem more and more dog smears or unpicked dog crap, too.
Oval events. The noise seems to be greater than what is allowed, and residents in buildings nearby can hear everything. Does Beam care? No. There are also events to celebrate a particular agenda of a small group of people who are vocal and even violent if they don't get their way.
Politicians. We can debate the quality of our governor and mayor, but our councilman is worthless and just parrots whatever is said by his party. Council persons got a pay raise of over 30% a few years back, which they do not want to talk about these days.
Electric scooters and Citibank in Stuy Town. Despite laws and regulations, enforcement by Public Safety is a major problem. Again, no one in authority cares.
Resident service. The front-line workers can be nice, but if one digs, not even too deep, they don't know about this property. A problem.
Money, money, money. Money is a god here, so if you don't have it or much of it, you can be in trouble. But I guess that isn't unusual all over the world.
So, moving here: A good choice or not?