Sunday, July 17, 2011

High Line Too Close For Comfort - Area Residents

NOW LOOK HERE! While Christina Olenick, of 28th Street, isn't bothered by High Line gawkers, other residents near a newly opened section of the park can't stand having their privacy violated at all hours.

NOW LOOK HERE! While Christina Olenick, of 28th Street, isn't bothered by High Line gawkers, other residents near a newly opened section of the park can't stand having their privacy violated at all hours. She has a "Keep Out" sign though taped to her window and her boyfriend has warned her to keep the shades down when she's home to avoid attracting stalkers, she said. (Photo: Angel Chevrestt)


Manhattan

They live in a peep show.


Residents of apartments along the newly opened stretch of the High Line say they feel like zoo animals, constantly photographed and gawked at while trying to go about their daily lives, according to the New York Post.


"Its absolutely horrible!" fumed Ronni McFadden, who resides in an apartment eye-level to the walkway at West 23rd Street and Tenth Avenue.


"People take pictures and wave at you when you're alone in your home. We have to keep dark shades up all the time. It's voyeuristic, and there's zero privacy. It's just really embarrassing."


The greenway's newest extension opened in June and slices through a cramped residential neighborhood from 20th to 30th streets on Manhattan's far West Side. Some apartments are so close, you could jump from the fire escape to the former rail trestle.


"It's a mixed bag," said Carlos Santiago, 42, who lives on the third floor of a walk-up at 28th Street and Tenth Avenue.


"It's a great view, but we can't enjoy it because we have to keep the shades down at all times, and one of the best things about the apartment was the light.


"We can only open the shades after 11 p.m., when the park closes."


Santiago said he installed an alarm system after the High Line opened because of safety concerns.


Residents with a more exhibitionist streak, however, are thrilled by their proximity to a promenade that attracted 2 million visitors last year.


Read More:

Life on the 'Pry' Line Voyeurs madden residents
New York Post - July 17, 2011 - By Annie Karni

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