Mott Haven and Port Morris

Abandoned Port Morris Branch

Abandoned Port Morris Branch

This long-deserted rail bed ran from 161st Street to Port Morris. You can easily spot its route on Google Earth. From the street, most of these abandoned sections have not been filled in or built over.

All City Recycling

All City Recycling

The sign reads: Days of Operation, Monday – Sunday, 24 hours a day. Materials accepted: Rock, Dirt, Concrete, Asphalt

Bronx Grit Chamber

Bronx Grit Chamber

Part of New York’s Ward’s Island Sewage Treatment system. Built in 1937, this facility filters out the larger pieces of debris from the Bronx’ sewers (e.g. dolls, dogs) before pumping it to Ward’s Island for treatment. This is the back of the building; the front faces Bruckner Boulevard. I asked for a brief tour. The bespectacled guy on the right seemed inclined to give me one, but his boss (white guy) demurred.

When the boss man asked who I was and what I wanted, I explained, “My name is Stephen Sherman. I live in Westchester County and I am retired. My latest hobby is exploring the Bronx.” He nodded, gave a skeptical Robert DeNiro-ish look, as if to say “Well, I guess it takes all kinds,” and walked back inside. Priceless.

Produce shop keeper washing sidewalk

Produce shop keeper washing sidewalk

St Jerome's Church and Mitchel Houses

St Jerome’s Church and Mitchel Houses

VR Bags, Inc.

VR Bags, Inc.

Another of the commercial businesses on 132nd Street.