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Here Are Some Of NYC's Smelliest Neighborhoods
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Sep 3, 2014
Modified Sep 3, 2014
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By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Sep 3, 2014
Modified Sep 3, 2014
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It's stinking hot again, which means the city reeks even more than usual. But how much more does it stink? And what different sorts of odors? How can we possibly make sense of all this overpowering olfactory information? Virginia Smith over at Brick Underground has helped sort out which neighborhoods are the smelliest, and which ones evoke the fragrance of sweet daisies, just sprung from the most organic of soils.
Apartment data site AddressReport examined the number of 311 odor complaints in each neighborhood across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens and found that, drumroll please, the smelliest neighborhood in those three boroughs was Greenwood Heights! (It's found between Sunset Park and Park Slope.) The least smelly neighborhood in those three boroughs is Starrett City in Brooklyn.
In Manhattan, Koreatown leads the way in smelliness, while the Meatpacking District lives up to its name in second. SoHo, home to some of the most upscale New Yorkers, does not acquit itself well in third. Though we suspect that neighborhood may also lead the pack in complainers, so this ranking may be skewed.
Manhattan, so very smelly.
In Queens, Malba took home the smelliest award, while Lindenwood and Neponsit came in second and third respectively. Apparently water seems to be a big theme for odor complaints. These neighborhoods also match up, unsurprisingly, to the sewer flooding data we explored last week, which could explain some of the persistent odor.
It all drains out to the ocean, which is fine, unless you live next to the ocean.
Which brings us to Brooklyn, where Marty Markowitz's expressway signs would like to remind you that it's "Not Just A Borough, But An Olfactory Experience." Greenwood Heights, as mentioned, leads the way, with the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Vinegar Hill coming in second and third. Again, water is a theme, as well as proximity to technology start-ups and stores that specialize in paper dolls.
Believe the hype! About the smell!
But within a few months, the frigid fingers of old man winter will close around our necks, reminding us that it is a privilege to be able to stay outside long enough to smell without our nostrils becoming numb. Enjoy your warming stench while it lasts, New York!
Tagged
311
Neighborhoods
real estate
smells
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Max Rivlin-Nadler has been a contributor to Gothamist since 2013. He has also reported for the New York Times, NPR, and The Intercept. His years-long investigation into New York City's arcane civil forfeiture laws led to a series of reforms which altered a practice that had been taking millions from poor communities for decades. Recently, he brought back a surfing habit from a few years on the west coast, and would love to see you all out in the Rockaways.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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