Despair sets in for some Coney Island residents as living conditions deteriorate rapidly

NY Daily News ^ | 11/1/12 | MATTHEW LYSIAK

[jimbo123]

‘We are Katrina’ says one desperate resident. ‘Everyone cares about Manhattan. No one is looking out for us.’

At a 12-unit apartment building at West 23rd near Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island, several tenants are huddled together in one room where human waste is spilling out of the toilet. They need help, and are at a loss explaining why assistance is getting to them faster.

"We have no food or water. Why isn't anyone helping us," asked tenant Aeising Cancel.

"We are scavenging for food like animals," said another tenant Jeffery Francis. "We are in a crisis and no one will help us. Look at us. We are misery. Everyone cares about Manhattan. No one is looking out for us. Nothing. We are Katrina."

At an apartment building at 3024 W 23rd the power is still out and residents are out of food.

"The food is gone. We are scrapping for food. One person found a sandwich and we split it four ways," said resident 58-year-old Albert Miller

[GeronL]

I am sure Spike Lee is on that. lol

[Stat-boy]

Thanks for a good description of the circumstances. I wish you well and pray for your comfort and of those in your situation as you struggle with the aftermath.

[GeronL]

but at least they will be able to enjoy the marathon. lol

[proxy_user]

Yeah, that Marathon is a pisser. They should take all the cops and all the runners and have them knock on every door below 29th Street to see if everyone is OK. Many probably are in trouble by now. How long can a bathtub full of water and a couple flashlights last?

[tomkat]

Great post and great escape .. Plus the excellent touch of offering neighbors rides !

There must be tens of thousands in their shoes .. simple no place else to go.

Having a bionic leg myself (titanium rod/screws) and being of similar age, I can certainly empathise.
Damned hardware hangs onto the cold, not to mention playin' hell with metal detectors   ;-)

Anyway, good news that you're out and with family .. Cheers

[OB1kNOb]

After reading this thread and about the deteriorating conditions in the NE, I’m believing more and more that the study on the affects of an EMP that concluded that 90% of the population would be dead within a year, is pretty close to being accurate. When I first heard of that conclusion, I just couldn’t believe it, but after observing Katrina’s and now Sandy’s aftermath, yeah, I believe it. The majority of the American population has become so dependent upon the grid for their daily sustenance and very life, that disabling that grid is like writing a death sentence for many, because they know not the first thing about having to fend for themselves, even in a short term situation.

[GeronL]

[gundog]

Be well. I think the veneer will come off pretty quickly. Ya missed Aerosmith on the Plaza this morning, though.:)

[Blood of Tyrants]

Thanks for the update. Good luck!