The Manhattan Times

Snowy days, clean steps and bridge tolls: the holiday wishes of Northern Manhattan

What’s your holiday wish for Northern Manhattan? We asked that question to hundreds of our neighbors and got some interesting answers. Some had big world peace sized wishes like good health and unity. Others were smaller, like a hope for less litter on our streets. One long time community gadfly was a humbug wishing only to be taken off our holiday email list. One, wishing to be snowed in, was granted right away – even before we could publish it.

Here’s hoping all of our wishes are granted, happy holidays.

Unity- I would wish for our ever dynamic community to rally around unique Northern Manhattan interests – social, cultural, health, political, etc. – and articulate and act upon them thoughtfully and deliberately- and in concert. That, and Feist and Kings of Leon at the United Palace.

–Debra Lee Santos

That I see a snowman.

Juan Carlos Brito, 5

My wish is that someone clean up and continue to maintain the staircase on 187 Street between Fort Washington and Overlook.

–Vivian Ducat

I wish that the Northern Manhattan community, institutions, elected officials and businesses continue to support the amazing work that our artists and arts organizations are doing within and for our neighborhoods.

I also wish that our diverse arts community continue to work together to build an upbeat hub, abundant with ideas and beauty! And that our community in general enjoys a new year of peace and prosperity! Felicidades!

–Sandra A. Garcia-Betancourt

My Holiday wish is to see SANTA get the park lights turned on in J Hood Wright Park. For months now there have been no lights in a whole section of the park near the dog run. It’s pitch black scary out there at night. The Parks Department says that the problem is out in the street and needs to be repaired by the Department of Transportation. However, months have gone by with no resolution. I can't imagine this problem existing for such a long time if we were on the Upper East or Upper West Side of the City. So please ask SANTA to MAKE THE LIGHTS BURN BRIGHT IN J HOOD WRIGHT.

Ho Ho Ho

–Richard Realmuto

My wish is for people in this community to see the beauty that's unique to our neighborhood and keep it clean and litter free.

A 35th police precinct, since the 34th is located well to our south and preoccupied with issues there. We have been more than patient in submitting our requests for enforcement of noise, drag racers, double-parkers, and other quality of life laws.

A 13th Community Board, since the 12th is located well to our south and preoccupied with issues there. Meetings are rarely held in Inwood, and having a community board located here would help to make our residents more politically aware and there would be a better chance of them becoming educated and involved in issues that affect them.

A Dyckman Greenway connector to a green and calm Dyckman Street and to accommodate more pedestrians and bicyclists to shop this commercial zone. A repaving of Broadway in Inwood with concrete, since in summer the asphalt gets pushed up into ridges in many locations, making it hazardous for bicyclists and pedestrians.

–Marjorie Clarke

As the mother of two rapidly growing elementary school children, my wish is for Santa to send us more middle and high schools for the kids in our community. We need options that aren’t a long subway ride away!

–Mary Elizabeth Williams

My holiday wish is to have a little sister.

Yamilex Betances, 10

I wish for tolls on “free” Upper Manhattan bridges, which would help keep our buses and subways running while reducing traffic from outside the neighborhood that clogs our streets and pollutes our air.

–Brad Aaron

A huge snowstorm that keeps us trapped in the neighborhood. That and [Inwood Hill Park] is so beautiful after a snowstorm.

–Harlan Pruden

I wish to finally get the 215th Street steps repaired!

–Rose Fox

Good health and good fortune for everyone.

–Shelly Williams

To be with family.

Angeli Reynoso, 8

I wish for people to be involved with their neighbors, rather than being passive residents.

–Sarah Morgridge

Good health, safety and wellbeing.

–Robert Jackson

That economic recovery brings peace and prosperity to our community.

–Eric Schneiderman

I wish for greater synergy between our political groups so that we may speak and act with one voice, and for there to be healing and understanding among those who feel betrayed or otherwise injured by our electoral battles/political processes.

–Angelo Ortiz

Marriage equality in New York State

– James Freedland