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Water Damage Restoration in New York City, NY

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Columbia University in New York City to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in New York City, NY is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in New York City. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Empire State Building in New York City, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in New York City.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in New York City, NY

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Battery Park by Sunrise in New York City for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in New York City, NY, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in New York City?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Central Park in New York City. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in New York City, NY, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Chrysler Building in New York City, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the New York City restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in New York City, NY, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in New York City, NY

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in New York City, NY, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a One if by Land, Two if by Sea in New York City. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a New York City rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in New York City, NY

Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber shut down breakup rumors as they hold hands on rare date night in NYC

Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber are still going strong.The “Elvis” star and the model shut down breakup rumors as they were spotted holding hands after dinner in New York City on Saturday.The actor was photographed opening the car door for his girlfriend before they made their way to Radio City Music Hall for a Gracie Abrams concert.Butler, 33, shielded his face with a blue baseball cap, which he paired with a blue sweater, cargo pants and Nike sneakers.As for Gerber, 23, she sported a blu...

Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber are still going strong.

The “Elvis” star and the model shut down breakup rumors as they were spotted holding hands after dinner in New York City on Saturday.

The actor was photographed opening the car door for his girlfriend before they made their way to Radio City Music Hall for a Gracie Abrams concert.

Butler, 33, shielded his face with a blue baseball cap, which he paired with a blue sweater, cargo pants and Nike sneakers.

As for Gerber, 23, she sported a blue cropped tee, low-rise jeans and black ballet flats.

While leaving the venue, the couple walked close together, with the “Carrie Diaries” alum covering his face with a black mask.

The rare sighting of the duo together comes after Gerber was seen having dinner with Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth at The Polo Bar in NYC last week.

Photos exclusively obtained by Page Six showed the trio smiling upon leaving the ritzy restaurant, however Butler was nowhere in sight.

A insider told Page Six that the “Dune: Part Two” star was supposed to join the outing, but he got stuck filming his forthcoming movie “Caught Stealing.”

We learned he couldn’t make it because “he has been filming long hours for Darren Aronofsky’s new movie.”

The following day, the actor was photographed kissing co-star Zoë Kravitz while filming in the Big Apple.

Butler and Gerber have been facing split rumors since a blind item posted on gossip blog DeuxMoi alleged the model was seen “all over” comedian Marcelo Hernandez while dining at NYC restaurant The Odeon.

Photos posted on Reddit showed Gerber and the “Saturday Night Live” star close together.

And last week, Cindy Crawford’s look-alike daughter attended a musical with music video director Cole Bennett.

“Everything is fine with Kaia and Austin,” an insider told Page Six. “She’s just out and about.”

Even though Butler and Gerber have rarely been seen together publicly, we’re told they are often spending time together privately.

According to a source, the pair has busy schedules and enjoys their alone time.

The couple has been dating since early 2022 following Gerber’s split from “Euphoria” star Jacob Elordi.

Hundreds share lunch at quirky NYC party where the table is as long as a city block

Try reaching across this table for the salt and pepper.Hundreds of New Yorkers congregated at a city block-long table in Chelsea Sunday afternoon for the third annual “Longest Table” potluck lunch party – where foodies hailing from Chelsea to Harlem to New Jersey to Lithuania broke bread in the name of fostering community connections.“We live in this city that’s so densely populated, and it’s just easy to walk by people who are just having a ‘how’s the weather’ conversation,...

Try reaching across this table for the salt and pepper.

Hundreds of New Yorkers congregated at a city block-long table in Chelsea Sunday afternoon for the third annual “Longest Table” potluck lunch party – where foodies hailing from Chelsea to Harlem to New Jersey to Lithuania broke bread in the name of fostering community connections.

“We live in this city that’s so densely populated, and it’s just easy to walk by people who are just having a ‘how’s the weather’ conversation,” said longtime Chelsea resident and event volunteer Nathaniel Hawkins.

“I feel like now [with] important issues, when we need people to show up, more and more people show up,” said Hawkins, 52.

The large-scale lunch affair, held on a car-free Open Street on West 21st Street between Ninth and 10th avenues, began in 2022 after the pandemic lockdown drove event co-founder Maryam Banikarim to find safe, new ways to reconnect with her Chelsea neighbors.

“I passingly knew my neighbors [before], but during COVID I really got to know them because we were each other’s life lines,” Banikarim, another longtime Chelsea resident, told The Post.

“There’s also this epidemic of loneliness and mental health issues,” she added. “People have this incredible desire, particularly post-COVID to connect with each other in real life … [The Longest Table] changed my experience in the neighborhood.”

A photo circulating social media of neighbors sharing a massive outdoor meal in Egypt inspired Banikarim to set up a similar outdoor dining experience, with the help of about eight volunteers. News of the event spread on neighborhood-based social media website Nextdoor — with a whopping 500 people attending the inaugural soirée.

“Table captains” were designated to host tables, bring chairs and coordinate their potluck contributions — which ran the gamut from baked goods to Chinese food to Indian cuisine to a great big hero sandwich.

“It’s the diversity of the city,” she said. “Everyone’s curious what everyone else has brought.”

The second iteration of the event in 2023, which amassed about 700 participants, was even studied by college students from Barnard to understand the impact of the project, Banikarim said.

“What we learned was a lot of the people came from Chelsea, but also from other parts of the city, it’s a microcosm of New York City,” she told The Post, noting that 92% of the people who showed up were able to connect with other attendees. By the end of the event, more than 60% felt less lonely, she said.

Banikarim reports that, in her own neighborhood, the project has fostered more communication and helping hands, from borrowing ladders to facilitating conversations about new projects in the area — such as Vanderbilt University’s recent takeover of the site of the General Theological Seminary.

“More people end up speaking to each other, and then they can be there [for each other] in moments of need,” she said.

Both newcomers and returning attendees seemed to agree that the bustling event helped New Yorkers get to know one another better.

“The biggest surprise [moving] here was the community,” Ilma Tiki, 41, a Chelsea resident who moved from Lithuania two years ago, told The Post during the Sunday afternoon soirée. “This is the reason why you want to live in the neighborhood and this city … this was a must-thing to do.”

“I am so excited to be here,” said Chelsea resident Eleanor, 82, who declined to give her last name. “Chelsea can get very divisive … to get everybody together, it’s really great.”

“In a city where it’s so hard to find community or [where] sometimes you don’t know who your neighbor is, this is an opportunity to meet all your neighbors – meeting them in a fun, unorthodox setting,” Council Member Erik Bottcher, who represents Chelsea, told The Post. “And it happens to be on one of the most beautiful blocks in Chelsea.”

Since its inception, the Longest Table has been replicated in other cities from Kansas City, Mo. to Paris, France using an online toolkit Banikarim has since made available online.

Chelsea residents George Duval and Lisa Lindo-Duval recreated the project in Harlem last week, and plan to bring the table to underserved neighborhoods in Manhattan and Bronx.

Lindo-Duval is also planning a similar event in her mother’s home city of Kingston, Jamaica.

“It’s not just for a sense of community, but also for safety,” Lindo-Duval said. “It’s so everyone can get to know each other, so that they can call on each other.”

Banikarim says she has big dreams of one day bringing the Longest Table over the Brooklyn Bridge to connect the boroughs – and another one uniting the coasts for America’s 250th anniversary next year.

“Wouldn’t it be a beautiful thing,” she mused, “to share food and come together to celebrate humanity?”

‘Swamp People’ star cited for alligator tagging violations in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (WVLA) — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited a star from the hit television show “Swamp People” for the improper tagging of alligators after an undercover sting.Troy Landry, 64, was cited on two counts of failing to tag an alli...

BATON ROUGE, La. (WVLA) — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited a star from the hit television show “Swamp People” for the improper tagging of alligators after an undercover sting.

Troy Landry, 64, was cited on two counts of failing to tag an alligator upon taking, according to an LDWF incident report.

LDWF agents received a tip on Wednesday, Sept. 18, that someone was setting alligator lines in Lake Palourde in St. Mary Parish, despite not having permission to hunt on that property. The following day, agents set up surveillance in the area and discovered alligator lines that matched the description of the suspected hunter who was not allowed on the property.

Frank Fritz of ‘American Pickers’ dies

Agents surveilled the area until they spotted Landry and two other people who were on a boat that was making their way toward the alligator line, according to the incident report. During the check, agents discovered that Landry did have permission to hunt on the property.

When Landry was asked about the alligator tags, he said “he had two tags gifted to him.” He added that every alligator in the boat was from the Atchafalaya Basin area and was tagged accordingly, according to the incident report.

Agents said Landry reportedly did not have the right alligator tags to hunt in that area.

According to an incident report, at first, Landry said he didn’t take an alligator from the property. After agents proved to him that they were “watching the entire time,” Landry admitted he had taken an alligator from the area.

“Mr. Landry also admitted that prior to agents making contact with him, he cut a dead “stiff” alligator loose from his line and let it float away,” the incident report said.

Landry received two citations, one for the improperly tagged alligator and the other for cutting the dead alligator from the line. According to the incident report, the boat and the boat’s engine were seized in connection with this violation.

Landry is among the group of Louisiana alligator hunters that appear in the History Channel’s “Swamp People” series, which has been on-air since 2010. Landry, dubbed the “King of the Swamp,” hunts alongside his sons, Jacob and Chase, and “consistently fills more tags than any swamper,” according to the show.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Teens arrested on gang assault charges in attack on former NY governor

Two teenages boy, ages 12 and 13, were arrested on Saturday following an assault on former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson on Manhattan's Upper East Side.Police said the boys were arrested on gang assault charges one day after Paterson and his 20-year-old stepson were beaten and bruised in an evening sidewalk brawl. Investigators had been looking for a total of five people in connection with the assault.“Governor Paterson and his family are glad to see the suspects turned themselves in. We hope that the young...

Two teenages boy, ages 12 and 13, were arrested on Saturday following an assault on former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Police said the boys were arrested on gang assault charges one day after Paterson and his 20-year-old stepson were beaten and bruised in an evening sidewalk brawl. Investigators had been looking for a total of five people in connection with the assault.

“Governor Paterson and his family are glad to see the suspects turned themselves in. We hope that the young people involved learn something from this unfortunate encounter," a statement from Paterson's spokesperson said Sunday. "The Governor is grateful to see the kids' parents hold them to account and would also like to thank the NYPD for their strong work.“

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

The former governor described the incident in detail Saturday, telling reporters that he had been "punched in the face a couple times," and that his stepson, Anthony Chester Sliwa, required five stitches in his lip.

Paterson, who is legally blind, and Sliwa were walking the family dog on Second Avenue near East 96th Street around 8:30 p.m. at the time of the attack. The assault was preempted by an altercation that took place about 45 minutes earlier, Paterson said.

According to the former governor, Sliwa was walking the dog when he noticed a group of teens climbing up the fire escape to a building.

"Which has been a way that people have been able to gain access to the building and to either vandalize or rob the building in the past," Paterson explained. Sliwa, he said, admonished the boys.

Paterson joined his stepson for a walk less than an hour later, and that's when they bumped into the same group of teens. But this time, Paterson said, the teens had back-up, which included a couple of adults.

"[A woman] threw the first punches in the actual fight and another adult was the second person to throw punches," he said.

Both Paterson and Sliwa were taken to the hospital to be treated for bruises and cuts. They were released by the next morning.

In Queens, N.Y., an immigrant street vendor is forced to confront crippling shyness

When we met, Luis Beltran was standing in a crowd, looking a little shell-shocked, holding an ice cream."People in the city can be so rude," he said.It was still summer, and we were in the middle of one of the largest parks in New York City: Flushing Meadows Park in Queens. As the heat winds down, NPR has been interviewing parkgoers about life as recently arrived immigrants.This park is a great place to hear all kinds of stories. Queens is traditionally a hub for immigrants from all parts of ...

When we met, Luis Beltran was standing in a crowd, looking a little shell-shocked, holding an ice cream.

"People in the city can be so rude," he said.

It was still summer, and we were in the middle of one of the largest parks in New York City: Flushing Meadows Park in Queens. As the heat winds down, NPR has been interviewing parkgoers about life as recently arrived immigrants.

This park is a great place to hear all kinds of stories. Queens is traditionally a hub for immigrants from all parts of the world, and thousands of people come here every weekend. On that summer day, there was live music, and food vendors selling goodies at the top of their lungs. Which is exactly what Beltran was trying to do for the first time: sell some ice cream.

But when he got there, he froze. (No pun intended.)

The thing is, Beltran is very shy.

"Especially around women," he said, laughing and looking down. Beltran is 23 years old. He’s short and stocky, a handsome guy.

Originally from Ecuador, he left home about a year ago. He says he paid a coyote, a guide to migrants, to bring him up through Central America and Mexico, all the way to the U.S. border. It cost about $20,000.

This is not an uncommon fee for that journey: Migrants often sell everything they own and get deep in debt to pay for the trek north. Coming to the U.S. is expensive,” said Beltran.

Beltran is among the more than 200,000 migrants who have arrived in New York City since 2022, according to local government. Like many of them, although he is in the immigration system, he doesn’t have work authorization. This is a problem because he owes money to that coyote, who knows where his family lives.

La deuda, the debt, is a frequent topic of conversation among recently arrived immigrant communities.

“I think about how to pay la deuda,” Beltran said.

He got a job in construction. Then one day, he picked up a book called Atomic Habits, by James Clear. "It teaches you how to take more risks, be more open, be more of a businessman. Challenge yourself."

Beltran finished the book and decided to come to the park and sell ice cream. Specifically, helados de salcedo, an Ecuadorian-style popsicle.

But when he got here this morning, he got nervous.

When we met, he was just standing there quietly, a now-dripping ice cream cone in hand, as if holding a white surrender flag.

He said he was thinking about his aunt. When he was a kid, he used to sell flowers with her on the street. He was already very shy back then, and one day she told him: "Luis, you can’t afford to be shy."

So he says this morning when he got to the park, he came up with a mantra: "Send money to cancel the debt. Cancel the debt. Cancel the debt. Keep going. Keep fighting."

Beltran's eyes light up a little as he says it aloud. He takes a deep breath and yells:

"Helados de lado de salcedo, helados de sabores, helados, helados, helados no se quede con las ganas. (Salcedo ice cream! All kinds of flavors! Ice cream! Don’t hesitate to get yours!)"

As he shouts it, he smiles for the first time since we met.

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