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MASARYK TOWERS CORPORATION

61 Columbia Street, New York, New York 10002


Tel: 212-982-2212 Fax: 212-254-1473

May 22, 2017


GATE CLOSURE

The Masaryk Towers recent gate closure is one of many measures we have taken to ensure the safety and
security of our residents.
For many years, Masaryk has had serious problems with criminal activities, including the proliferation of
illicit drug usage and distribution, alcohol and vandalism, largely attributable to non-residents. The quality of life
has declined, with litter and garbage left by passersby, rowdy groups hanging out on the benches, in the halls
and stairways, with beer cans, bottles and trash left everywhere. Some of these problems were exacerbated
several years ago when NYCHA removed benches from the adjacent Gompers Houses and Baruch Houses.
Bikes, mopeds and electric bikes (especially in the past few years) speeding through, have terrorized
Masaryk residents, particularly children, seniors and the infirm, and have caused injuries (many serious).
People have walked through with leashed or unleashed dogs and in many cases, have not cleaned up after
their pets have defecated on our walkways and grass.
Over the years, we have tried to deal with these problems in various ways, including posting signs and
hiring additional security at great cost to us, but things have spiraled out of control.
It should be noted that the portion of Rivington Street passing through Masaryk Towers was ceded by the
City of New York to Masaryk when it was built fifty years ago (it was de-mapped and does not appear as a city
street on official NYC maps).
While the idea of installing gates at either end of the walkway was discussed on and off during the last fifty
years, it was first seriously discussed approximately twelve years ago. Through the years since then, objective
conditions prevented us from closing the walkway to the public. However, in the recent past the situation has
deteriorated to the point that we had no choice but to allow entry to Masaryk by residents and their guests only.
In the short time since the gates have been closed, these offensive activities cited above have virtually
disappeared. Masaryk residents feel safer walking the grounds and entering their buildings. Late-night
congregation on the benches has abated. The grounds are cleaner, residents are picking up trash that blows
around and people feel more comfortable sitting on the benches.
The final issue remains Masaryks attempts to limit our exposure to liability. Numerous trip-and-fall claims by
non-residents have resulted in costly lawsuits. Unfortunately, no amount of additional insurance can prevent
the continued liability Masaryk would face with future incidents.
While we understand that some of our neighbors will be inconvenienced and that it will take some time to
acclimate to the closing, we trust that our neighbors will understand Masaryks decision.
We are willing to work with interested parties to get Stanton Street (between Columbia Street and Pitt
Street) reopened to pedestrian traffic.

Sincerely,

Bernice McCallum, President, Masaryk Towers Board of Directors

Masaryk Towers Board of Directors

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