Scenes from the Upper West Side

 April 17



The Upper West Side, from 72 Street to 125 Street, bounded by the Hudson River on the West, Central Park on the East, and Harlem to the North, is a diverse and vibrant residential neighborhood. Walking its streets and avenues shows us, by contrast, what is wrong with most American cities and suburbs: the absence of meaningful street life. In spite of the multimillion dollar coops and brownstones, and the high priced food stores, the Upper West Side is still one of the many places in New York City that has retained some character; where one can enjoy the sidewalk culture, delight in some fascinating interiors like Zabar's or Apple Bank (pictured below) and pick up a bargain from one of the hundreds of street vendors who populate the area on a sunny day. Unfortunately this neighborhood has also experienced significant degradation in the past twenty years, primarily from the obscene invasion by Duane Reade and other chains ... and many dismal construction projects, such as the "upgrading" of the Hayden Planetarium.

Where is everybody?

Bagels and...

Not a bag lady

Bag man




Vietnam veteran


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