Hurricane Aftermath at Park & Seventh

The overnight assault by Hurricane Irene left Park & Seventh without power. The Twin City parking lot that was jammed yesterday was empty except for an electrician's truck. Around 3 p.m., a worker came outside the market and told a couple of passersby the store might be open later.

Traffic lights were out at Park & Seventh and drivers had to be polite or play chicken to get through. Further north, two one-way intersections had police blocking roads. Makes one think the auxiliary police would have come in handy to direct traffic.

Without power, businesses were closed, including most eateries up and down Park Avenue. Given the large number of local residents who depend on takeout or weekly meal plans due to lack of cooking facilities, food was scarce. Peering inside one Chinese restaurant, one could see a cook doing his best in the dark to serve up meals. It made me feel grateful for having both power and a lot of leftovers in the fridge.

A spitting light rain and high wind gusts reminded pedestrians that the storm was not finished and cleanup would have to wait until next week's sunny days. Another reminder was the lack of public transportation - no trains, buses or light rail until things simmer down.

--Bernice