Sandy cuts Fifth Avenue trolley rides short

Hurricane Sandy’s wrath abbreviated holiday events in Sunset Park this weekend, but didn’t affect the neighborhood’s Christmas spirit.

The Sunset Park Business Improvement District (BID) usually provides free trolley rides for three days during Thanksgiving weekend, November 23 through the 25, along Fifth Avenue from 38th to 64th Street.

But this year, those rides were abbreviated to just one day: Sunday,November 25.

Sunset Park BID Executive Director Renee Giordano explained that three trolleys are usually available but Sandy badly damaged many of them. The company the BID leases the trolleys from was only able to provide one for a day. The trolley made all B63 stops, making it easy for shoppers to hop on and off.

Nevertheless, riders made the most of the afternoon.

“The trolley is very popular,” Giordano said. “BID staff explain about the BID and the Sunset Park community, while also doing sing-alongs.”

Several BID members donated prizes that were given away during the trolley ride.

“Johnny’s Pizzeria gave away coupons for customers to get a free slice if they bought one. Sunset Pulse gave away one-day guest passes to their gym plus three months free if someone joined,” Giordano said. “Amerikick gave away free headbands, school supplies and other goodies plus one month free if someone joined their martial arts school. Health Max gave small toys. The BID gave away free reusable tote bags with information about the Safe Stop program [in conjunction with District Attorney Hynes].”

As always, Santa Claus was on board.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.