Recession in Turtle Bay

The best thing about Turtle Bay is that it has maintained its “neighborhood feel” despite its location in midtown Manhattan. However, small local businesses always feel the effects first, and suffer the most, during a slowing economy.

“Local families have stopped eating out," says Indigo restaurant manager Mike Alla.  "And this is a small neighborhood restaurant so we definitely feel the effects of the economy."  

Indigo has been suffering since early October, when the global financial crisis really started to hit hard. On a Monday night, this quaint, friendly Indian food restaurant was completely empty—servers and the manger waited, and hoped, for a customer to come.

While on the outside it appears as if only the restaurant is suffering, the owner, manager, and servers all have families to worry about. If the restaurant doesn’t make it—Mike and his workers are out of a job. Mike, who moved from Delhi in 1991, is a father of three. He has been at Indigo since its opening in 1992 and describes the workers as “family men.” 

“We all have big families to worry about,” Alla says.

Krunch Pizza is trying to use the recession as an advantage. The owner, Tom Valenti, says that while bars are suffering because it’s cheaper for someone to “buy a six-pack and take it home,” he is using his cheap pizza prices to lure in customers who can no longer afford to eat out at nice restaurants.

Tom lives in Staten Island with his wife and two children, who work at the restaurant on weekends. He sold his trade commodity business on Wall Street to buy the restaurant for his son in June 2006. Business has not suffered since the recession, and his grandma’s Sicilian pizza recipe is good enough to keep business going strong. (I tried a slice, and it is fantastic!)

“We still get our steady clientele that bring families, and those kids who buy pizza while stumbling home from the local bars,” Valenti says.

The global economic crisis does not look like it will end soon. And now it is only a matter of time before we will see the real effects—if these businesses will be able to hold on and survive, or if they will see closure before the economy picks up again.

Nino's Positano

Nino’s Positano, which critics blasted as overpriced and stuffy, has changed its business—and costumers like it. This attitude change is refreshing, and unexpected, in a neighborhood known for its old money and high-maintenance crowd. The new inviting atmosphere and eager wait staff has allowed the restaurant to expand its clientele and become an accepted, local hot spot.

In Turtle Bay, surviving by trying to meet the demands of old wealth, United Nations officials and young bankers is not an easy task—one that Nino’s has finally conquered after eight years. Johnny Gjekaj, the manager, agreed that the restaurant is located in a diverse neighborhood.

“We get people from the United Nations, old local couples and young bankers who just work in the area so there are a lot of different people to please,” Gjekaj said.

Nino’s Positano, which is located on Second Avenue between 47^th and 48^th streets, attracts customers for both lunch and dinner. “We attract United Nations officials with our Prix Fixe lunch menu but also make sure we have our traditional pizza for local families who come here for dinner,” Gjekaj said.

While the manager wears a suit and servers are required to wear ties to maintain their high-end clientele, they have made changes that make the restaurant friendlier. The owner, Nino Selimaj, is the hostess for lunch on weekdays and personally greets and seats customers. Servers stand in the outdoor seating area and greet customers with a “Ciao” and “Bon Appetite” to create a feeling of a family style restaurant. This has been a positive change after customers complained about rude waiters who “never stopped by the table unless to take the bill.”

The biggest change at Nino’s Positano took place about three months ago with the addition of a gelato cart. The homemade gelato comes fresh from its sister restaurant on Second Avenue and 72^nd Street, and has become so popular that Gjekaj plans to sell it during the winter. “Homemade gelato is really popular because it is hard to find homemade anything these days,” Gjekaj said.

A gelato cart on the street, an innovative idea in a neighborhood where walking is the primary form of transportation, has attracted a new set of customers who would otherwise not stop by the restaurant. Customers are able to order it after a sit-down dinner, or grab some on the go after work.

The restaurant was also renovated two years ago, creating an outdoor seating area, and expanding the upper level. The restaurant made sure to maintain its older traditional section on the lower level where it is quieter.

Two satisfied customers, Jenna Litell, 28, and Rebecca Hale, 27, enjoyed dinner in the outdoor seating area on a Monday night. Litell did not know what to order for dinner, and praised the helpful waiter for his suggestion. “The server said the wild mushroom ravioli was one of his favorites and I took his recommendation and I cleaned my plate,” Litell said.

Due to its attitude change, Nino’s Positano has reaped the benefits of recent success. The manager informs customers on their way out the door that “Nino’s” is working on opening its seventh location just north of Turtle Bay, on Second Avenue and 58^th Street.

Casting A Vote In Turtle Bay...

In Turtle Bay, Republicans and Democrats have one thing in common—their concern for the economy. For owners and workers of both local and chain businesses, the candidates’ tax policies are how they are winning votes. The owners and high-end money makers are voting for McCain, and the workers favor Obama’s tax breaks.

Doron Sarrf, one of the concierges at the Double Tree Hotel is voting for McCain. “Obama will raise my taxes, and raising taxes doesn’t promote growth,” Sarrf says. Similarly, Wally Chin, owner of the high-end Chin Chin restaurant, says business has suffered 15 percent, but is still a believer in hard work. “Obama will force me to share my wealth," says Chin.  "I don’t want to share my wealth to those on welfare.”

Morgan, the hostess at a local pub, used to work on Wall Street and was laid off two weeks ago. Despite this, she doesn’t believe in free handouts. “I’m not voting for Obama because I like working hard and getting rewarded and I don’t like Obama’s taxes,” she says.

David Young works at Tobaldi Fine Jewelry, and is voting for Obama because his annual salary isn’t high enough to be taxed with Obama’s plan. Barrington Richards, a worker at a local deli on 50th street, is a Republican, but voting for Obama. “I don’t like Bush’s policies, and McCain is very similar to Bush” Richards says. Manfred Betances, the doorman at the Affinia 50 hotel, relies mostly on tips from guests. “The tourists have stayed the same, but Americans are tipping less and getting cheaper," says Betances.  "We just need a change to fix this economy.”

At the local Nino’s Positano Restaurant, there is conflict between two waiters and the managers. Two waiters at Nino’s Positano said they are voting for the Democratic ticket. “It is not a vote for Obama, it is just a vote against McCain and his same policies as Bush,” say Senad and Edmond. Johnny Gjekaj, the manager, thinks differently. “I’m voting for McCain simply because Obama is new and we cannot trust him," says Gjekaj.  "We do not know what Obama will do once he gets in office. At least with McCain, we are safe.”

World Trade Center Tribute

On first glance, it appears that Turtle Bay has nothing in common with Lower Manhattan.

However, after taking a tour of the World Trade Center, I realized New Yorkers who have lived here for over seven years have one thing in common despite their neighborhood boundaries— 9/11.

After speaking with Manny Papir, a survivor of the attacks, I left knowing that the feelings and sentiments related to 9/11 are universal. Whether you were in New York or California at the time, speaking to a survivor makes the entire experience real. Manny is able to speak about his experience without getting teary, although several times he gets the chills when speaking about loved ones who passed away.

Sept. 11, 2001 happened to also be an election day, and so Manny was late getting in to Lower Manhattan because he was voting in Brooklyn. At the time, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Rudy Giuliani and was working with Giuliani four days a week. By the time he got in to Lower Manhattan, he saw both towers collapse to the ground, and by 2 p.m. was with Giuliani figuring out how to begin managing the fear and chaos of rescue teams and New Yorkers. In that moment, he lost all senses but sight. He could not retell what he smelled or heard that day, but has only visual memories of those chaotic, blurred morning hours.

What really made the experience come to life were the personal stories. Both Manny and our tour guide, John Henderson, told story after story about friends and families, many about survivors, and other stories about victims. The World Trade Center Tribute Building also had footage and artifacts saved from that day, with pictures and quotes of people retelling what they saw and experienced.

Both John and Manny said the worst part about that day and the weeks to follow were the scattered body parts. From the attack, 2,751 people died, but rescue teams have found over 21,000 body parts, with fewer than 200 of those being identifiable. Sadly, of the 343 fireman that died that day, only 12 bodies were found whole. The World Trade Tribute founder’s son was one of the 12 firemen whose bodies were in one piece.

It is stories like these that make the experience real for everyone—no matter what neighborhood, borough, city or state you were in that day. Despite the horrific circumstances, it was one day that people crossed neighborhood borders and came together from all boroughs to help and support one another.

News Update in Turtle Bay

Local Businesses

Because of the economic depression, many restaurants in New York City have seen business slow down as people try to save money. Nino’s Positano, which I wrote about several weeks ago, has seen their restaurant hurting for more than just economic reasons. The cute Italian restaurant has been temporarily shut down by the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene. Noone came to the locked door to answer questions, but instead, the manager posted signs saying the restaurant was closed until a steam pipe in the kitchen was fixed. The Health Department posted their own signs saying the restaurant was closed, but gave no explanation. Their official website listing inspection violations on Nino’s Positano Restaurant has not yet been updated.

The economy is also hurting small businesses in Turtle Bay. Heavenly Delights is an ice cream and candy store located on Second Avenue and 46th Street. Sojan, one of the workers said summer and Halloween are usually good times for business. “It used to be that 10 people would come into the store and buy ice cream and candy," Sojan said.  "Now, eight people come in and leave, and only two of those 10 are buying stuff.”

A fruit vendor on Second Avenue and 46th Street is feeling the economic recession as well. As winter approaches, he is doing everything he can to sell his fruit. He added in extra peaches and grapefruit to my order and still only charged 3 dollars!

Roosevelt Island

For those penny pinchers, Roosevelt Island is perfect for a quick and cheap vacation. There is a tram that leaves every 15 minutes from 59th Street and Second Avenue and only costs a two dollar metrocard to escape Manhattan.

Construction

There is always news of construction in Turtle Bay. Since the deadly crane collapse happened last March, the City Council is conducting an ongoing investigation on the Department of Buildings and questioning Commissioner Patricia Lancaster, who approved the construction plan. The documents and plans for the building are still not available to the public, and the skeleton of the building that is no longer undergoing construction is slowly deteriorating.

Gallery Update

In terms of culture, the Trygve Lie Gallery on 317 E. 52nd St. is showing the “Silence” Exhibit until Nov. 9. It is a collection of Marcel Lelienhof photos of places around the world in a post war-situation. The Japanese Society, located on 333 E. 47th St., has an exhibition called “New Bamboo: Contemporary Japanese Masters” from Saturday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Jan. 11. It is the world’s first exhibition devoted exclusively to Japanese bamboo as sculpture. The Third Annual Halloween Open House at Turtle Bay Music School, 244 E. 52nd St., takes place on Oct. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is free, open to the public and families are invited to dress in costumes!

A Chat with Pete Hamill

Pete Hamill, author of “Downtown: My Manhattan” had only one purpose in mind when writing his book.

It was when his son turned seven years old that he realized his own mortality and wanted to write a book about a place he had lived, loved and seen change his entire life. He wanted to use this book to excite passion in children to read about the history of downtown Manhattan and hopefully inspire them to discover Manhattan for themselves. “Manhattan has always been a fascinating city to me," said Hamill.  "I just hope this book excites passion in someone somewhere.”

Pete Hamill came and spoke to our class about the process of writing and his journey through "Downtown."

When approaching neighborhoods he wants to write about, he just walks around the area and tries to discover something. He goes for walks everyday and wanders until he finds someone who has lived in a neighborhood for years and can tell a small history story of how the neighborhood changed.

He is obviously curious and genuine, and very soft spoken. His second home as a child was the library and he talked about old memories reading books by New York authors. He also spoke very fondly of his mother who raised seven children, worked a part-time job and never escaped the working class.

“My mother once told me to never look down on someone unless I was giving them a hand to help them get up,” Hamill said. That theory has stayed with Hamill his entire life and shaped his journalism. Hamill’s first byline on a story was in the summer of 1960 when he wrote an article for the New York Post. He wrote a story about a man who lost his job, was evicted and became homeless. After that article ran, readers found him a job and a place to live. “I knew at that point I wanted my articles to do something good," said Hamill.  "It didn’t have to create a big change, but helping a specific person was enough.”

Although he didn’t cover Turtle Bay as a part of downtown in his book, he said he had wandered around the area and knew in its beginnings, there were several large turtles inhabiting the East Bay. The best thing he said about exploring new neighborhoods was that you always discover something new and create a memory about that neighborhood.

A Chat with Sean Basinski

Sean Basinski, Director of the Vendor Street Project, is doing everything he can to give the 10,000 New York City immigrant vendors a voice.

Sean Basinski founded the Vendor Street Project after working as a vendor himself for a summer, and realized vendors had no way to communicate to each other and to the city. Trying to make a change, Sean and NYC vendors are now using this “union” to try to expose discrimination, change policies and regulations, and have a place where they can support one another.

Sean attended law school and even worked on Wall Street, but after selling burritos on the corner of Park Avenue and 52nd Street, Sean saw how difficult life as a vendor really is. Sean is trying to reveal the constant discrimination vendors face from the city and the health department, trying to open up more streets for vendors to sell their products, expand the number of vendor permits allowed and reduce the cost of fines for tickets.

One of the main problems is that English is usually not the first language for a vendor. Also, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in June 2007, the city capped the number of vendor permits available. There is also a 2,500 person limit to the number of people allowed on the waiting list for full term permits, and so even getting on the waiting list is difficult.

Sean also commented that big businesses often complain that street vendors are able to afford to sell food at a lower price, making it hard for some restaurants to compete, and take up room on the sidewalk and clutter the streets. The Vendor Street Project is trying convince the city that street vendors are important and add personality to streets in a big city. Sean and the street vendors claim they should have more accessibility to permits because they are a sort of “neighborhood watch.” Street vendors are on the streets everyday, recognize locals and even see activities that the typical New Yorker may be too busy to notice—and can be reliable witnesses to crimes and drug deals. Sean is using this argument to show the city that street vendors can be helpful and an addition to the police department, and should not be treated as a threat.

Sean is celebrating his seventh year since starting the Vendor Street Project. In December, Sean will travel to Legos, Nigeria and document the half-million street vendors there to continue his mission of revealing the hardships of being a street vendor universally.