Trustees of tony Gramercy Park have despatched a terse e-mail to these fortunate sufficient to have keys to town’s solely non-public park, ordering them to put on masks throughout spring strolls because it’s inconceivable to socially distance alongside its paths.
Masks or no, some embarrassed residents are buzzing that the park ought to drop the non-public shtick and confide in the general public in the course of the coronavirus pandemic, and past, as a result of it’s “deflating” to the neighborhood.
An e-mail went out to residents of the 39 buildings across the park which might be allowed inside its gates with the heading “Why carrying a masks or face overlaying is obligatory in Gramercy Park, since social distancing can’t be maintained.”
The message, from veteran park warden Arlene Harrison, added, “Extra individuals than regular are utilizing the Park paths. Individuals sitting on the benches are solely roughly 2 toes away from individuals utilizing the paths. Individuals making an attempt to cross one another will not be in a position to keep the 6 toes required for social distancing.”
The e-mail additionally stated, “Whereas front-line employees are sacrificing their very own lives for us … the least we will do to sluggish the unfold of this virus is put on a compulsory masks or face overlaying in Gramercy Park.”
However a resident with a key stated some locals have been angling to open up the park for years, and now’s the time. “Seeing firsthand the impact it has on the neighborhood is deflating. Everybody deserves entry to this house,” the supply stated. “Anybody with a coronary heart would open the park throughout this disaster. Apparently social distancing is already not potential, and masks are needed, so open the gates and take away the ‘Hold off the grass’ indicators so there’s more room for everybody.” The park habitué stated others additionally need the “small-minded and unique conduct” to be “a factor of the previous.”
Residents have been recognized to incorporate Julia Roberts, Jimmy Fallon, Richard Gere, Ric Ocasek and WeWork’s Adam Neumann. A Gramercy townhouse in 2017 bought for $23 million.
Trustees didn’t instantly remark.