No, not that wall … this one:

As promised last year, the Grand Street security fence has started to be erected between buildings 1 and 2 on the south side of the street. East River maintenance workers were outside yesterday and today putting in the first stretch of ironwork, which will, when finished, be painted black with gold spikes, just like the fence in front of the Hillman playground up the street.

As noted by board president Gary Altman in last year’s annual report, the total cost of these fences is expected to be a mere $45,000 because all the fabrication and installation is being done in-house.

Altman emphasized that the fence is not simply to guard against potential trespassers, but to advertise our privileged existence to potential buyers:

“The fence will again be not only a security fence but an enhancement to the value of our apartments as new people look behind the fences and see our beautiful gardens, playgrounds and sitting areas all reserved for those of us lucky enough to call East River our home. Perhaps a key to our private parks will one day carry some of the cache as a key to Gramercy Park has for over a hundred years.”

What do you think about the new fence?