This week, Jerry showed up to work to find his newsstand had been seized and padlocked by the City. Jerry has been working this newsstand for over 25 years. The ownership of it and its license were willed to him by the previous owner when she passed away, but the city doesn't see it that way. Watch The Paper House Report to get a full understanding of Jerry's story--and to see why the City is absolutely wrong in their decision to take away this man's livelihood.
The Paper House Report from Nicole Cimino on Vimeo.
The old newsstand, before Starbucks came, and before the City stole everyone's stand, granting ownership to Spanish company Cemusa and their dull, stainless steel boxes.
I'll take the days of the old photo with the Riviera cafe any-day-of-the-week.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that a film was made of his story and legacy. This man represents New York, the enduring strength of it. You can see how he humbly bears the closure of his little slice of heaven. He just accepts. What legacy is some big box no name franchise going to impart? He's 62 for chrissakes.
ReplyDeleteSorry I was at work before I read about the rally. What an injustice.
ReplyDeleteI hate those stainless steel boxes!
ReplyDeleteBut I am loving this blog. Visiting regularly since I accidentally stumbled on it one day. Thank you for these posts -
I lived 1 block from the Riviera for 20 years and had countless meals there. After I finished my night shift driving a cab I would go to the Riviera for my main meal of the day. Even though it was after hours (about 5:30am) the waiter would still serve me a beer. The water glasses they used were dark red. He would pour the beer into the red glass so no one could see what it was. One day without warning they were closed. Soon Starbucks arrived. Paul's Lounge (R.I.P. Joey Ramone) became a Blockbuster store. When the St. Marks Theater became The Gap I knew it was time to leave New York.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
The Riviera had GREAT cheesecake, just as good as Junior's.