SCENE FROM THE STREET

Text and photo by Brian J. Pape, AIA

The private yacht Night Howl was berthed recently at the Waterfront Plaza Marina of Brookfield Place, west end of Fulton Street, presenting a most unusual site. There, perched on top of the third deck, obviously designed and built to fit the tight, unique space, was a personal helicopter, ready for a quick escape? “Built to fit” because the rotor blades looked shorter than any of the commercial helicopters plying the heliports on the east and west sides of Manhattan. Pity the poor pilot trying to land on a bobbing, weaving postage stamp of a landing pad out on the open sea. What money will buy!