Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Finally, Our Queens "Poor Fences" Nightmare Is Over
By
Ben Yakas
Published May 3, 2015
Modified May 4, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published May 3, 2015
Modified May 4, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Last winter, a Queens couple had their souls projected onto the cover of the NY Post because they believed their building had put up a "poor fence" (a la the infamous "poor doors") to restrict lower-rent tenants from utilizing their entire terrace area). Despite the fact that the accusations of classism were thin at best, the Post now reports their nightmare has ended.
Erik Clancy and his girlfriend Erin McFadzen moved into one of the "affordable" middle-income, rent stabilized units in Long Island City’s new Q41 building, a 17-story condo located at 23-10 41st Avenue, last year. They said at the time that they chose their two-bedroom apartment because of the wrap-around terrace—but when they moved in, there was suddenly a wire fence restricting access to it.
"I can’t imagine them saying [to market-rate tenants], 'You get this beautiful view of Manhattan behind a giant metal fence,'" said Clancy. "Every time someone comes over, I have to explain why the fence is there ... and tell them we’re rent-stabilized, like it’s a badge I have to wear."
Developer Queensboro Development said at the time that the fence was necessary to set up a staging area for window washers, although Q41’s former super, Gjon Chota, allegedly told the couple "the fence is there to stay” because of other residents with smaller balconies.
Either way, the building has now relented and removed the six-foot high partitions. A spokesman for the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development told the Post that management, tenants, and a window-washing company hammered out a plan that maintained the "safety of tenants without impeding window washing."
Tagged
long island city
poor doors
poor fences
queens
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
MTA should eliminate some jobs to prepare for budget woes, watchdog writes
The Citizens Budget Commission suggested eliminating one crew member from trains that are fully automated.
By
Stephen Nessen
Published Nov 2, 2026 at 12:05 a.m. ET
NYC Council to scrutinize snow removal plans as winter approaches
Lawmakers will review the city's preparations and consider a bill requiring the city to publish historical snowplowing records.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
NYC Council to scrutinize snow removal plans as winter approaches
Lawmakers will review the city's preparations and consider a bill requiring the city to publish historical snowplowing records.
By
Catalina Gonella
'The best day of the year': Inside Clinton Hill's 'mile nine' NYC marathon party
By
Stephanie Keith
November has 3 meteor showers and the best chance to see Uranus
By
Rosemary Misdary
A 'beautiful' day for a marathon, as runners, spectators pack NYC streets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .