DOCSLIB.ORG

From an Act of Acquiring to a Failure to Recognize Waste

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
From an Act of Acquiring to a Failure to Recognize Waste HOARDING FROM AN ACT OF ACQUIRING TO A FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE WASTE BY MURRAY S. ANDERSON, PHD, RCC Psychological problems do not exist on their own, nor do they come out of thin air; they are connected to people’s social support, employment status, housing conditions, history of discrimination, and overall political power…therefore, promoting complete health means promoting social justice for there cannot be health in the absence of justice. — Isaac Prilleltensky, 1999 hile “hoarding” To encapsulate the roots of hoarding on his brother. The brothers gained is understood in North America, three disparate yet worldwide attention in 1939, when to be a mental linked events are worthy of explication: Helen Worden Erskine, a reporter health issue, the story of the Collyer brothers and, for the World Telegram, ran a story Wthe roots of the in the modern era, Dr. Randy Frost and on the developments. Langley was issue escape encapsulation. Historically, “hoarding disorder” becoming a stand- outraged and blamed Worden Erskine hoarding was linked to OCD, while alone entity in the DSM-5. for this invasion of privacy, which made recent changes to the DSM-5 now “collecting” more difficult. In 1947, THE COLLYER BROTHERS categorize hoarding as a separate form police were alerted and found their Homer and Langley Collyer lived in of mental illness. Additionally, hoarding home stuffed from floor to ceiling. their Fifth Avenue, New York family does not occur in a vacuum and is often Homer was found deceased, and for home, which they inherited when their linked with depression and anxiety, as a while, rumours floated around that mother passed away. Neither married well as various forms of trauma. Langley had fled. In fact, he had also or had children; Homer became a In my working capacity with Island died and was later found deep within a maritime lawyer; Langley worked as Health, I provide outreach services tunnel of debris, less than 10 feet from a piano dealer. Socializing, interacting where his brother had been found. Over to those dealing with mental health with others at public events, the 130 tons of material were removed; and addiction issues. Over the past brothers led seemingly normal lives. there was little of value, and the few few years, a significant percentage of Then everything changed. auctioned items fetched only $1,800.1 my portfolio involves working closely Over the next 18 years, the The Collyer brothers brought a with those impacted by clutter and brothers collected various items and public awareness of hoarding, though hoarding concerns. Though I had some stored them in the family home. emerging discourse was not positive. understanding of the issue beforehand, Langley, a one-time concert pianist it is only through engaging in thorough and Columbia engineering graduate, THE MODERN ERA individual work in the community that would go out at night to collect. Homer, Modern hoarding research owes much I now appreciate the severity of the now blind and limited by debilitating to the work of Randy Frost and his situation. arthritis, was completely dependent colleague Gail Steketee. Together, they 6 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS have researched and published widely on attachment to their items. Gross reported this issue, with a significant turning point that the majority of participants held strong occurring in 1991. Frost was conducting bonds to even mundane items. a lecture at Smith College on OCD. An • The study was the first to show that clutter observant attendee, Rachel Gross, asked and hoarding issues have a strong genetic link if there was any scientific, peer-reviewed and are deeply enmeshed in some familial work on hoarding beyond the link to OCD. histories. Subsequent genetic and twin Gross went on to conduct this investigation studies validated the genetic connection. for her honours thesis and provided the IN A LARGER, PEER- Of significance, this research created a first significant account of hoarding and REVIEWED STUDY working definition that formed the basis for associated phenomena. It also highlighted the hoarding disorder criteria proposed for some long-standing misconceptions:2 OF CLUTTER WITH SENIORS, OVER the DSM. In May 2013, the DSM-5 was • Until 1991, it had been believed that published. Among the diagnoses new to the hoarding involved saving worthless items. fifth edition was hoarding disorder (HD), However, Gross found that many of the 69% WERE WOMEN; no longer grouped in with the addictions or research participants had rooms stacked with obsessive-compulsive disorders. In short, 85 PER CENT WERE new items still in their packaging, clothes the DSM-5 defines HD as an accumulation LIVING ALONE, with labels intact, and presents still wrapped. and failure to discard a large number of • A second misconception was that UNMARRIED, AND possessions of questionable usefulness, individuals who hoard held no strong CAUCASIAN. extensive clutter in living spaces that INSIGHTS MAGAZINE 7 research on the rates of HD. Coupled with the stigma attached to mental illness and the lack of seeking treatment (and lack of access to treatment), it is understandable how these statistics might be inaccurate.4 However, with new research initiatives, there will likely be more accurate analysis. For example, recent studies suggest that out of every 100 people, two to six have HD, which translates into over 1.75 million Canadians. Other estimates suggest that between three per cent and six per cent of the population may be impacted. Roughly speaking, these precludes activities for which rooms A significant change as of May 2013 statistics indicate that the experience of were designed, and significant distress is that the main behaviour defining HD is roughly three times the incidence or impairment in a person’s functioning. the “disorder” is no longer the act of rate of Alzheimer’s disease in Canada. The diagnostic criteria also include acquiring but a failure to recognize In Canada, research suggests that two specifiers: whether symptoms are waste. Said differently, this relative lack on average more men than woman accompanied by excessive acquisition: of awareness regarding the condition’s engage in hoarding behaviour; however, “collecting, buying, or stealing of items real-world impact is paramount to the there is close to equal representation that are not needed for which there is formal diagnosis of HD. in those over the age of 54 years, with no available space”; and whether the women surpassing men in their senior hoarding beliefs and behaviours are HOW COMMON IS HOARDING? years. Note that, the research may characterized by good, fair, or poor Due to the recent addition of hoarding be inaccurate because HD is often insight or are delusional.3 into the DSM-5, there has been limited overshadowed by anxiety, depression, WHERE TO START In my experience, consultation is through collaboration between ? the most important step. fire departments, bylaw Concerned caregivers and enforcement, Island Health For those seeking to assist someone struggling with counsellors should seek services, SPCA, concerned hoarding, it is important to acknowledge these professional help — for example nonprofits, for-profit landlords, individuals are often unaware they have a problem. from the Hoarding Action volunteers, and de-cluttering This lack of awareness can make intervention or Response Team (HART) in services. HEAT also provides structuring treatment challenging. Attempts to help Vancouver and the Hoarding referrals to vetted, local must be gentle, consistent, and collaborative. Education and Action Team resources for individuals outside (HEAT) in Victoria. HART has a of Greater Victoria. Those THINGS TO BE AWARE OF: property-use inspector, fire interested can call the HEAT inspector, and two mental health hotline at 250-361-0227 for more Mass cleanouts not involving Talk with the individual workers. Concerned citizens can information. the person are rarely face to face about concerns call 311 to report unsafe Additionally, the HEAT Peer effective and not suggested. whenever possible. conditions throughout Greater Support Group is a twice- Use of labels (“you are a There is a story behind the Vancouver. monthly, non-judgmental hoarder”) are unhelpful and issue; allow the person to In Victoria, HEAT provides peer-support group for hoarders can further isolate the tell their story. assessment, addresses to share struggles, victories, and person. Use the four C’s: contact, immediate safety concerns, and tools for dealing with the What is junk to you is collaborate, consistent, offers ongoing support to emotional and physical aspects someone else’s treasure. consult.8 hoarders in Greater Victoria of a cluttered home. 8 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS and other mental health issues. to unforeseen physical limitations. For In Victoria, our statistics indicate example, a fall, heart attack, or chronic REFERENCES 1 Weiss, K. (2010). Hoarding, hermitage, that about four to six per cent of the pain can significantly impact a previously and the law: Why we love the Collyer population meets criteria for HD — that functioning individual, resulting in an brothers. Journal of American Academic Psychiatry Law, 38(2), 251-257. is about 15,000 to 23,000 homes in inability to engage in normal activities 2 Frost, R., & Gross, R. (1993). The Greater Victoria or about 40,000 homes of daily life.7 Seniors may have items hoarding of possessions. Behavior research and therapy, 31(4), 367-381. on Vancouver Island. As the clinician (groceries, food delivery, supplies) coming 3 American Psychological Association attached to the HEAT team, I believe in but are physically unable to take out (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). this number is inaccurate at best, and garbage and recycling. Rooms quickly Washington, DC. with a significant increase in the aging become cluttered, further limiting their 4 Lauster, N., McKay, A., Kwok, N., Yip, J., & Woody, S. R. (2016). How much of demographic, this number will continue ability to function and increasing risks to too much? What inspections data say about residential clutter as a housing to climb drastically in the next decade.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Morningside Heights Upper West Side Central Park
    Neighborhood Map ¯ Manhattanville Salem United 601 Junior High School 499 431 429 401 305 299 Methodist Church 199 101 99 1 555 W 129 Street W 129 Street W 129 Street W 129 Street Harlem Village Manhattanville National Jazz Museum Green 556 Health Center St. Nicholas in Harlem Edward P. Bowman 2168 3219 Sheltering Arms 30 29 25 Park 368 369 Broadway 601 2401 2406 Amsterdam Bus Depot 2094 3200 Playground Park Rev. Linnette C. Williamson Metropolitan Church of Memorial Park St. Nicholas Baptist Church Jesus Christ of Collyer Brothers 401 Unity Park 12 439 399 301 Playground South 101 Latter-day Saints Park W 126 Street 567 11 St. Nicholas Houses Amsterdam Avenue Amsterdam W 128 Street W 128 Street W 128 Street Convent Avenue St. Nicholas Avenue Old Broadway Blvd Douglass Frederick 559 M2 1361 14 LTD M2 3181 M3 499 M10 LTD 5 6 Maysles 2066 M3 M10 348 M2 Documentary 2160 M2 St. Andrew’s 1 Center 125 St Bx15 Episcopal Church M104 M101 299 201 W 125 StreetBx15 LTD 401 399 363 357 349 301 199 101 99 1 LTD Terrace Nicholas St. M101 W 127 Street W 127 Street W 127 Street M11 LTD Bx15 M100 M104 Bx15 M101 439 LTD M11 04 1 501 M100 M M101 M7 M104 M104 M102 M7 167 166 327 332 2130 2133 2358 2359 Clayton M102 2050 George Bruce 499 3170 William B. Williams 8 Avenue 8 Library Avenue 5 Washington Community Avenue Lenox 401 399 349 Garden Garden 299 201 199 101 99 1 Malcolm X Boulevard W 126 Street W 126 Street W 126 Street Broadway General Grant Houses Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.
    [Show full text]
  • Twenty-Seventh Annual Report
    ANNUAL REPORT- 2020 New Jersey Law Revision Commission Thirty-Fourth Annual Report – 2020 2 Please address comments and questions regarding this Report to: Laura C. Tharney, Executive Director New Jersey Law Revision Commission 153 Halsey Street, 7th Floor Box 47016 Newark, New Jersey 07102 Tel: 973-648-4575 Fax: 973-648-3123 Email: [email protected] Web: www.njlrc.org This Report is prepared for submission to the Legislature pursuant to N.J.S. 1:12A-9. The Report can also be found on the website of the NJLRC at: https://www.njlrc.org/annual-reports * The above photo of the Gibraltar Building located at 153 Halsey St. is provided by http://www.tysto.com/articles04/q2/jersey.shtml. Cover photo and photo appearing on pages 18, 29, 39, 47, and 63 are included pursuant to a licensing agreement with Shutterstock Inc. Any photos of the Commissioners and their representatives are included with the permission of the law firms and law schools with which each is associated. The remaining photos are included pursuant to a licensing agreement with Can Stock Photo, Inc. Thirty-Fourth Annual Report – 2020 3 The New Jersey Law Revision Commission Vision: To enhance New Jersey's long tradition of law revision and to support the Legislature in its efforts to improve the law in response to the existing and emerging needs of New Jersey citizens. Mission: To work with the Legislature toward the clarification and simplification of New Jersey’s law, its better adaptation to present social needs, and the better administration of justice. To carry on a continuous review and revision of New Jersey’s body of statutes, and engage in scholarly legal research and work, in order to enhance the quality of our recommendations to the Legislature and to facilitate the implementation of those recommendations.
    [Show full text]
  • Harlem Transportation Study
    3.0 LAND USE AND ZONING Zoning The city is divided into three basic zoning districts: residential (R), commercial (C), and manufacturing (M). The three basic categories are further subdivided into lower, medium, and higher density residential, commercial and manufacturing districts. Development within these districts is regulated by use, building size, and parking regulations. Here is a brief description of the three basic zoning districts according to the Zoning Handbook: Residential District (R) In New York City, there are ten standard residential districts, R1 through R10. The numbers refer to the permitted density (R1 having the lowest density and R10 the highest) and other controls such as required parking. A second letter or number signifies additional controls are required in certain districts. R1 and R2 districts allow only detached single-family residences and certain community facilities. The R3-2 through R10 districts accept all types of dwelling units and community facilities and are distinguished by differing bulk and density, height and setback, parking, and lot coverage or open space requirements. Commercial District (C) The commercial districts reflect the full range of commercial activity in the city from local retail and service establishmentsDRAFT to high density, shopping, entertainment and office uses. There are eight basic commercial districts where two (C1 and C2 districts) are designed to serve local needs, one district (C4) is for shopping centers outside the central business district, two (C5 and C6 districts) are for the central business districts which embrace the office, retail, and commercial functions that serve the city and region, and three (C3, C7, and C8 districts) are designed for special purposes (waterfront activity, large commercial amusement parks and heavy repair services).
    [Show full text]
  • Downloaded by [New York University] at 12:57 13 August 2016 the HOARDING IMPULSE
    Downloaded by [New York University] at 12:57 13 August 2016 THE HOARDING IMPULSE There has been an increased awareness of hoarding in recent years, but clinical treatments aimed at helping people with this condition often have low success rates. In The Hoarding Impulse Renee M. Winters explores how depth psychology can enrich current conceptual models and treatment standards for compulsive hoarding. The book presents case studies of prominent sufferers including Edie and Edith Beale, the Collyer Brothers, and Andy Warhol and explores common themes of loss, shame and object clusters. Winters sets out to provide a clear understanding of a hoarder’s lived experiences and their core schemas of value, worth and personal identity, revealing a direct connection to excessive acquisition of objects. She illuminates the process of how objects can come to possess a hoarder and become not only their main source of happiness but also part of their identity and in doing so puts forward a new treatment plan based on providing a deeper understanding of and potent treatment approach to what is a core issue for hoarding individuals: the wounding of the soul. This new perspective to treating individuals who hoard helps them in the long term understand their processes, value system, and struggles with negative interpersonal relationships. Downloaded by [New York University] at 12:57 13 August 2016 Providing a fascinating insight into the psyche of people who struggle with hoarding, this book will be essential reading for depth psychologists, Jungian psychotherapists, psychiatrists, social workers, students of analytical psychology and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of this complex condition.
    [Show full text]
  • City-Owned Properties Based on Suitability of City-Owned and Leased Property for Urban Agriculture (LL 48 of 2011)
    City-Owned Properties Based on Suitability of City-Owned and Leased Property for Urban Agriculture (LL 48 of 2011) Borou Block Lot Address Parcel Name gh 1 2 1 4 SOUTH STREET SI FERRY TERMINAL 1 2 2 10 SOUTH STREET BATTERY MARITIME BLDG 1 2 3 MARGINAL STREET MTA SUBSTATION 1 2 23 1 PIER 6 PIER 6 1 3 1 10 BATTERY PARK BATTERY PARK 1 3 2 PETER MINUIT PLAZA PETER MINUIT PLAZA/BATTERY PK 1 3 3 PETER MINUIT PLAZA PETER MINUIT PLAZA/BATTERY PK 1 6 1 24 SOUTH STREET VIETNAM VETERANS PLAZA 1 10 14 33 WHITEHALL STREET 1 12 28 WHITEHALL STREET BOWLING GREEN PARK 1 16 1 22 BATTERY PLACE PIER A / MARINE UNIT #1 1 16 3 401 SOUTH END AVENUE BATTERY PARK CITY STREETS 1 16 12 MARGINAL STREET BATTERY PARK CITY Page 1 of 1390 09/28/2021 City-Owned Properties Based on Suitability of City-Owned and Leased Property for Urban Agriculture (LL 48 of 2011) Agency Current Uses Number Structures DOT;DSBS FERRY TERMINAL;NO 2 USE;WATERFRONT PROPERTY DSBS IN USE-TENANTED;LONG-TERM 1 AGREEMENT;WATERFRONT PROPERTY DSBS NO USE-NON RES STRC;TRANSIT 1 SUBSTATION DSBS IN USE-TENANTED;FINAL COMMITMNT- 1 DISP;LONG-TERM AGREEMENT;NO USE;FINAL COMMITMNT-DISP PARKS PARK 6 PARKS PARK 3 PARKS PARK 3 PARKS PARK 0 SANIT OFFICE 1 PARKS PARK 0 DSBS FERRY TERMINAL;IN USE- 1 TENANTED;FINAL COMMITMNT- DISP;LONG-TERM AGREEMENT;NO USE;WATERFRONT PROPERTY DOT PARK;ROAD/HIGHWAY 10 PARKS IN USE-TENANTED;SHORT-TERM 0 Page 2 of 1390 09/28/2021 City-Owned Properties Based on Suitability of City-Owned and Leased Property for Urban Agriculture (LL 48 of 2011) Land Use Category Postcode Police Prct
    [Show full text]
  • A Content Analysis of A&E's Hoarders
    East Tennessee State University Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University Electronic Theses and Dissertations Student Works 8-2013 A Content Analysis of A&E's Hoarders Samantha J. Redwine East Tennessee State University Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd Part of the Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons, Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, and the Sociology of Culture Commons Recommended Citation Redwine, Samantha J., "A Content Analysis of A&E's Hoarders" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1208. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1208 This Thesis - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Works at Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Content Analysis of A&E’s Hoarders _____________________ A thesis presented to the faculty of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology East Tennessee State University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts of Sociology _____________________ by Samantha J. Redwine August 2013 _____________________ Dr. Joseph Baker, Chair Dr. Martha Copp Dr. Melissa Schrift Keywords: hoarding, hoarding disorder, medicalization, content analysis, television, deviance ABSTRACT A Content Analysis of A&E’s Hoarders by Samantha Redwine The interest in hoarding has peaked since its first clinical definition in 1996 and is evident by six television shows centered on the topic. This thesis reports the results a content analysis of two seasons (21 episodes) of the popular T.V.
    [Show full text]
  • Manhattan Community District 10 11 12 5 6
    8 12 7 10 MANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 10 11 12 5 6 4 3 10 TOTAL POPULATION 1990 2000 2010 9 9 2 Number 99,519 107,109 115,723 10 1 11 % Change - 7.6 8.0 11 7 1 8 7 1 4 3 5 6 VITAL STATISTICS 2005 2010 2 4 2 3 1 5 6 8 Births: Number 1,659 1,716 1 Rate per 1000 15.5 14.8 DR. HARLEM IVER R HARLEM RIVER Deaths: Number 1,022 850 Rate per 1000 9.5 7.3 MBE GECOAVE. ED . Infant Mortality: Number 13 - E V A Rate per 1000 7.8 7.5 S A L O H IC N W. 123rd ST. T S CENTRAL . HARLEM VE FIFTH AVE. E A ID S G MO N UNT I MO RRIS PARK N R O M INCOME SUPPORT 2005 2012 CENT RAL PARK NORTH FIFTH AVE. Cash Assistance (TANF) 11,139 8,472 Supplemental Security Income 8,827 9,016 LAND USE, 2012 Lot Area Medicaid Only 28,503 31,911 Lots Sq. Ft.(000) % 1- 2 Family Residential 538 915.8 3.6 Total Persons Assisted 48,469 49,399 Multi-Family Residential 2,444 10,770.1 42.3 Mixed Resid. / Commercial 647 5,502.5 21.6 Percent of Population 45.3 42.7 Commercial / Office 156 1,271.1 5.0 Industrial 17 151.5 0.6 Transportation / Utility 18 212.0 0.8 Institutions 290 3,758.6 14.8 Open Space / Recreation 40 1,416.3 5.6 Parking Facilities 44 223.7 0.9 TOTAL LAND AREA Vacant Land 251 1,237.6 4.9 Miscellaneous 9 24.3 0.1 Acres: 897.0 Square Miles: 1.4 Total 4,454 25,483.5 100.0 New York City Department of City Planning Manhattan Community District 10 r.
    [Show full text]
  • COPING; in a West Side Apartment, a World
    NYTimes: Home - Site Index - Archive - Help Welcome, apastudies - Member Center - Log out Go to a Section Site Search: This page is print-ready, and this article will remain available for 90 days. Instructions for Saving | About this Service | Purchase History THE CITY WEEKLY DESK COPING; In a West Side Apartment, a World By ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS (NYT) 801 words Published: May 1, 2005 LIKE ancient Egypt, which buried its dead surrounded by their worldly goods, New York seems to nurture the most fabulous pack rats. The Collyer brothers famously perished after being sealed in their Harlem brownstone by 180 tons of ephemera. But few have heard of Yoshio Kishi, a 74-year-old Japanese-American film editor, who has made up, perhaps, for his unheralded jobs filling union-mandated slots on films like ''Raging Bull'' by filling his apartment near Lincoln Center with a relentless abundance of Asian-American memorabilia. I collect, therefore I am. In the dimly lighted apartment, thousands of books, sealed in yellowing Mylar bags, bristle from floor to ceiling shelves in every room. Paper bags stuffed with records, videos, sheet music, pamphlets, buttons and even dolls march along all but a narrow alley of floor. Since Mr. Kishi's mother, Haru, died in 2002, the collection has been inching into her once pristine bedroom. He estimates that over 40 years, he has collected at least 10,000 items of Asian-Americana. Some universities have some of what he has, but experts say Mr. Kishi's collection is distinguished not just by its size but by the eclectic nature of his curiosity and tastes.
    [Show full text]
  • Twenty-Seventh Annual Report
    ANNUAL REPORT- 2018 New Jersey Law Revision Commission 2 New Jersey Law Revision Commission * Please address comments and questions regarding this Report to: Laura C. Tharney, Executive Director New Jersey Law Revision Commission 153 Halsey Street, 7th Floor Box 47016 Newark, New Jersey 07102 Tel: 973-648-4575 Fax: 973-648-3123 Email: [email protected] Web: www.njlrc.org This Report is prepared for submission to the Legislature pursuant to N.J.S. 1:12A-9. The Report can also be found on the website of the NJLRC at: http://www.lawrev.state.nj.us/annual.html * The above photo of the Gibraltar Building located at 153 Halsey St. is provided by http://www.tysto.com/articles04/q2/jersey.shtml. Cover photo and photos appearing on pages 17, 26, 33, 40 and 56 are included pursuant to a licensing agreement with Shutterstock Inc. Any photos of the Commissioners and their representatives are included with the permission of the law firms and law schools with which each is associated. The remaining photos are included pursuant to a licensing agreement with Can Stock Photo, Inc. Thirty-Second Annual Report – 2018 3 The New Jersey Law Revision Commission Vision: To enhance New Jersey's long tradition of law revision and to support the Legislature in its efforts to improve the law in response to the existing and emerging needs of New Jersey citizens. Mission: To work with the Legislature toward the clarification and simplification of New Jersey’s law, its better adaptation to present social needs, and the better administration of justice.
    [Show full text]
  • Collyers' Mansion
    Collyers' Mansion Published 05/29/2014 by: Operations A "Collyers' Mansion" is a modern firefighting term for a dwelling that is so filled with trash and debris it becomes a serious danger to the occupants and emergency responders. It is common for a FDNY Incident Commander to transmit "Searches will be delayed" over the Department radio when these type of conditions are found. Collyer-type conditions can be found anywhere in New York City. When these conditions are found Firefighters must perform thorough extinguishment, overhaul and search. The large amount of clutter can make final extinguishment and searches very difficult and time- consuming. The Collyer brothers often are cited as an example of compulsive hoarding associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as disposophobia or “Collyer brothers syndrome,” a fear of throwing anything away. For decades, the unemployed men lived in their home at 2078 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan. They obsessively collected newspapers, books, furniture, musical instruments and many other items, with booby traps set up in corridors and doorways to protect against intruders. On March 21, 1947, Homer Collyer was found dead in the Harlem brownstone. On April 8, 1947, a workman found the body of Langley Collyer just 10 feet from where Homer died. The brownstone contained more than 100 tons of rubbish that they had amassed spanningseveral decades. Units responding to fires and/or emergencies in a hoarding household will have to operate under difficult conditions due to: • Increased fire load resulting in high heat and smoke conditions • Deep-seated content fires • Difficulty fully extinguishing fire • Storage of materials near or on top of heating sources, such as candles, cigarettes, stove, furnace, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report on Park Maintenance
    Annual Report on Park Maintenance Fiscal Year 2019 City of New York Parks & Recreation Bill de Blasio, Mayor Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Commissioner Annual Report on Park Maintenance Fiscal Year 2019 Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 Understanding Park Maintenance Needs ............................................................................... 1 How Parks are Maintained ...................................................................................................... 2 About the Data Used in this Report ....................................................................................... 3 Data Caveats .......................................................................................................................... 5 Report Column Definitions and Calculations ........................................................................... 5 Tables ...................................................................................................................................... Table 1 – Park-Level Services ............................................................................................ 8 Table 2 – Sector-Level Services ........................................................................................98 Table 3 – Borough and Citywide Work Orders ...................................................................99 Table 4 – Borough and Citywide-Level Services Not Captured in Work
    [Show full text]
  • Harlem Transportation Study
    Harlem/Morningside Heights Transportation Study DRAFT Technical Memorandum No. 1- Existing Conditions Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor The City of New York New York City Department of Transportation Iris Weinshall, Commissioner September 2005 Harlem/Morningside Heights Transportation Study Technical Memorandum No. 1 Existing Conditions 2003 PIN PTDT04G00.08 PIN PTDT05G00.05 PIN PTCP04G00.04 Contract No. D000642 D000641 The preparation of this report has been financed in part through funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration under the Federal Act of 1965, as amended, and the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended. This document is disseminated by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and New York City Department of City Planning (NYCDCP) in the interest of information exchange. It reflects the views of the NYCDOT and NYCDCP which are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented. The report does not necessarily reflect any official views or policies of the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, or the State of New York. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Prepared by: DRAFT New York City Department of Transportation Iris Weinshall, Commissioner Judy Bergtraum, First Deputy Commissioner Michael Primeggia, Deputy Commissioner Naim Rasheed, Director Michael Griffith, Deputy Director Eva Marin, Project Manager Tiee-Gang Lee, Highway Transportation Specialist Ali Hamoudeh, Highway Transportation Specialist
    [Show full text]