43 MacDougal Street: Even Worse Than We Thought
Just when we thought things couldn’t get any worse at 43 MacDougal Street, after reading Monday’s post on the building an anonymous neighbor sent us the following photos, which are taken from above. The space between the plywood and the building is filled to the brim with trash.
Here’s a close-up:
This trash is no doubt trapping moisture and attracting rodents, all of which combined cannot be healthy for the integrity of the historic facade nor for the health and well-being of neighbors and the schoolchildren across the street. It’s the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s job to ensure that our important landmarks (this building is part of the Charlton-King-Vandam Historic District) remain in top form. If you agree that things should not progress down this path, write to the City and urge them to take immediate action!
Update: As per the comment below, below is a photo of the faded sign on the storefront that is currently hidden by plywood.
I’ve wanted to see inside this building for decades. There’s something about the checkering paint on the street-level structures, dangling wires attached to ancient doorbell-pushes, and the pair of store entrances sitting right next to each other, that makes me think there might be somewhat intact mid-20th century retail store structure inside. In addition to a tailor shop, I think there was at least one general store, and my evidence is a hand-painted sign (now covered up by construction barricades) on one of the faded red cast-iron pillars advertising hard cider, painted in what looks like early-20th century calligraphy. A door (or maybe a pair of doors) into the past! Sure hope this building survives its abandonment.
Thanks DougR. We know exactly the sign you mean! I updated the post with a photo.
It appears that there are recyclable materials in the area beneath the upper “bin”…Why not really investigate the lower, fenced area and remove the useful items and trash the rest?
(I once lived and improved a strorefront space (into living space with good recycled materials and furniture) at 167 Elizabeth Street, NYC, 1965…)