The Fort Greene Observatory

Hurricane Sandy barely touched Fort Greene. Trees were knocked down in the park and the internet service has been off for a day, otherwise this neighborhood weathered the storm with ease. We are 120 feet above sea level. Coney Island and the other low-lying areas of city were not so lucky. Lower Manhattan remains without power. Yesterday I bicycled over the Manhattan Bridge to Chinatown. The queues for the Fung Wah bus were around the block. Enterprising merchants were charging phones and computers with portable generators. A few restaurants were selling food outside on the sidewalk, however they were swiftly closed by health inspectors. The Tombs were open for business and I saw two white people led intot the criminal court by cops. The only reports of looting have come from Coney Island. The greater threat are gangs of organized criminals seeking to hit the most ravaged sections of the city. Most of them will be wearing a uniform. Be careful, people. The Fort Greene Observatory will be watching.