I grew up on 200 Hicks Street, I remember seeing the Christmas Tree lit every winter season, and remember taking my second cousin, (who later on became my girl at the time :) for a cold winter's night walk on the Promenade, and yes, it was romance at its best. Back then, of course the WTC Towers were there - it was a lovely site - seeing them, et all the wonderful views of this one spot. Have not been back since I moved years ago, but I can imagine it is still the 'spot' to be. In fact, i once was trying to imagine what the ""Promenade"" was like on Sept 11, and came across some fotos from a friend who took some during that amazing day.... I was stunned to see that apparently the ""Promenade"" became the 'front row seat' of 9/11, yes - i was shocked to see that there were hundreds of peolple packed like sardines to 'witness history' - yet, sadly all the 'poisons of the smoke and filth' etc.. all came to Brooklyn Heights. Wow, was glad we were 'not' there during the attacks - in fact, the hudson river, since water 'carries sound' made most tall apt buildings in the heights 'shake' when the planes hit. Incredible. So, today, when you walk the ""Promenade"", you are walking among history. Both good and bad. Yet, in any season, winter, spring, summer, fall - Promenade, is one amazing place! I remember walking home from school as a kid, walking towards the Promenade, on Montague street, as the winter cold winds, came thru as if a 'wind tunnel' so severe, you could lean your entire body forward, and 'not' fall - actually be pushed back. I remember the Hudson one winter, being completely frozen, no water at all moving - yet, ice everywhere - and then the next winter, Christmas, i remember it was 74 degrees and people walking in t shirts on the promenade during vacations!\r
Whether you are a local, or a visitor, the 'Heights' is known for: Promenade, and if you think about it, when you watch TV Game shows, when they say: ""you WIN a trip to NYC"" etc.. often, they always show the 'view' from the Promenade! It is a nice place - but sadly, the filthy rich, now 'own' this place - and trust me, during 'bad times like today' - the only thing 'those' people lost are maybe 'less doormen' to open their doors for them. Yes, i remember, back in the 70's, i was told 'not' to open the door myself, it was 'insulting' to the doormen. So, i feel bad that i am sure it is 'worse' today. I think those who 'do not live' in the area of the ""Promenade"" full time, will be more likely to truly truly enjoy all that it has to offer! And yes, it offers an amazing view, with the awesome sounds of the cars passing underneath - and often you can feel the Promenade 'shake' as the cars pass by! The ""HEIGHTS"" is HOME to many, you may leave, but the 'new yorker within' will always be with you, no matter what!
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