1st Ave Between 53rd St and 51st St

   

With cars streaming off the FDR Drive and onto 53rd Street, this can be a slightly busier intersection than others found along First Avenue. Despite the increased vehicle traffic, these blocks are still very residential and welcoming. With a few exceptions, almost all the businesses here are locally-owned…including three different florists, a cheese shop and a seafood shop.

Off in the distance you can see the underpass which runs for several blocks in front of the United Nations Headquarters – it makes for a rather cool sight from up here. Of course, whenever there are large events occurring at the U.N., the entire section of First Avenue is subject to maddening closures and barricades. Driving or even walking becomes a huge ordeal.

Over the past few years I've watched the corner of 53rd and 1st transform from a rundown address which suffered from broken windows and burnt-out street lamps to a hopping after school learning outpost for Kumon – whose logo looks like a confused or depressed child.